Professional Development Resources

2021News

March 12, 2021

Providing NHLA members and NHCLPs sources for education and professional development is an important aspect of your Association. As members of NHLA, you’re showing an interest in the best management practices, understanding implications of protecting clean water and protecting soil health, no matter the season or type of landscape you’re designing or caring for.

In each issue of our Newsletter, readers are provided with sources of conferences, workshops, webinars, and slide shows to help solve problems or introduce new ideas and trends. With this issue, I’d like to showcase two sources for you to check out and see what’s available now or where you may find information or an answer during the coming season or recertification cycle.

First, check out Georgia State Extension. While this is a different USDA growing zone and different climate, the Georgia Extension service has a specialty in soil health where you may find information you can use or share with your crews. Turfgrass, lawn care and soil health are strong components of the information available. Visit extension.uga.edu. The material is organized in easy-to-read icons. Soon enough, we will be facing pollen problems; the allergy kind, not the “pollinators” kind, and there’s a section on pollen-busting tips to fight pollen related allergies.

A bit more extensive in programs and workshops, Ohio State University has several parallel sources of information for gardeners and landscapers. Check them out: mastergardener.osu.edu has a Lunch and Learn series that includes webinars on pesticides, therapeutic horticulture, soil health, Asian jumping worms, and more. They also have a lecture series, offered several time a year, with the Chadwick Arboretum, which will feature national figures and internationally regarded experts in horticulture and gardening.

Do you have your favorite go-to web addresses for continuing ed or for your most commonly asked questions? Share those sites with your staff and crew, so your company will be known for being up-to-date and practicing the best skills possible!

by Cris Blackstone, NHCLP