Recent Event

Highlights from 2023 Come to the Bay

This event continues to expand to meet industry needs. What started a few years ago as a two-day conference with a vision to uniquely serve the industry has expanded to four full days of classes and service. Virginia Beach remained our host city. Day one was devoted to the Service Project at Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Center and the adjacent Pleasure House Point. Days two and three were dedicated to classes at the Oceanfront Sheraton hotel with a series of seminars on Natives and Invasive Plants in the landscape. Participants learned about great business opportunities in these two emerging areas of landscaping. Pesticide and fertilizer certification and recertification classes consumed day two. Nearly 200 persons attended to obtain or renew state mandated certifications.

A new enterprise happened on days three and four: a condensed Lawn/Landscape Short Course. Basically, that two-day event focused on topics a student learns in the first semester of Horticulture 101. A special treat on the second day was moving the class to the Hampton Roads AREC. Participants were given hands-on training by Virginia Tech experts and toured the insect lab.

The Oceanfront Sheraton was prepared for our education and social time!

Next year’s Come to the Bay is moving! It will be held at the Hampton Roads AREC ! Mark your calendars for the week of January 22, 2024 for it.

Thank you to our Sponsors !