Upcoming Event

Industry Success in Virginia’s Cul-de-Sac at Come to the Bay

Presented by Agronomic Lawn Management, Weed Man, Lawns and Gardens Plus, TruGreen and the VTC Environmental Institute

January 23 – 26, 2023 at the Oceanfront Sheraton in Virginia Beach, VA. For details, visit: vaturf.org/come-to-the-bay/

Monday, January 23

Once again, Come to the Bay integrates a vital environmental service project into the schedule. Two years ago, our first service project worked with the City of Virginia Beach to provide and plant 6,000 dune saving American Beachgrass plants at the oceanfront. Last year we partnered with the City, Tidewater Community College, and multiple environmental groups to provide and plant 15,000 of the same plants at a Chesapeake Bay inlet.

For 2023, the service project has once again increased and will make a very significant impact on Pleasure House Point, a restored tidal point in the Cty of Virginia Beach. We will work on three areas: restoring a bioswale, adding native plants to a display garden, and planting erosion protecting American Beachgrass plants along the Lynnhaven River.

Our work will conclude with lunch and a presentation by public school students.

Tuesday, January 24

By the industry, for the industry.

This day will focus on ways your company can increase profit margins with native plants and by controlling invasives. The morning’s focus on natives answers many critical questions, including:

• What is a native plant?

• When are natives not the best solution?

• What is the role of lawns?

• Why should I form partnerships with environmental groups? and

• Where do I buy natives plants?

Invasives are highlighted after lunch. Climate change and unwelcome movement of plants increasingly brings these unwelcome visitors to the forefront of Virginia’s landscapes.

Before the social, city leaders will discuss ways to remain legal when planting on public property and Virginia Natural Gas will highlight their efforts at restoring native habitats.

The complete schedule is online at vaturf.org/events

Tuesday, January 24

Presenting Sponsors: Agronomic Lawn Management, Lawns and Gardens Plus, TruGreen and WeedMan

4:30 – 6:30 – Evening Social – Sponsored by Lawns & Gardens Plus

Wednesday, January 25

Option One (Free for VTC Members)

Pesticide and Fertilizer Certification and Recertification

8:00 Pesticide Recertification Categories 3A, 3B, 5A, 6, 8,10, and 60 Categories 3A, 3B, and 60 are finished by 2:00 (others will be finished by 5:00)

Special: Persons attending the Pesticide Recertification program may stay longer and receive fertilizer recertification credit.

8:00 – 12:00 Initial Pesticide Certification Review for Core Exam 1:00 – 4:00 Initial Pesticide Certification Exams (must have VDACS letter to take exams)

9:00 Fertilizer Certification / Recertification

9:00 – 12:30 Fertilizer

9:00 – 3:30 Fertilizer Training and Examination

Option Two (Separate Charge)

Landscape / Lawn Short Course Two Days: Wednesday and Thursday

The Landscape / Lawn Short Course is designed to meet the needs of all green industry professionals. Intensive training will allow you to make better decisions in daily management that will improve both the quality of your landscape and your profit.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Keep it Legal – Pesticide and Fertilizer Regulations

• Selecting, Planting, and Maintaining Trees

• Identifying and Controlling Weeds

• Identifying and Controlling Insects

• Horticulture Basics

• Turfgrass Basics

• Soil Basics

• The ABC’s of Pruning

• Planting Dos and Don’ts

Register Online

vaturf.org/events

Oceanfront Sheraton – Virginia Beach