Samantha Nestory, Horticulturist, Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden

While fall may seem early to think about the pests of next year, there is plenty you can do during the winter months to reduce pests in your spring garden. Learn how to identify common pests of ornamental and vegetable gardens.  We will discuss several measures you can take to treat and prevent these pests. From strategic garden planning to egg removal, there are many ways you can utilize the off-season to promote a healthier garden in the next season.

This class carries pesticide recertification credits from the PA Dept. of Agriculture.

Wednesday, November 6 | 10:00am - 11:00am

Members: $10 | Non-members: $15

Sharon Meeker, Birder

Ducks are beautiful birds, many with striking plumage. It can be relatively easy to identify many duck species if you know what to look for.  Because they are large birds they can be seen in open water and it is easy to pick out field marks for identification.  In this online Zoom class Sharon will share her images of ducks that can be found in this area. We will learn about different types of ducks including divers and dabblers and we will also talk about sea ducks.   She will point out their identifying features and describe the kinds of places where they are usually seen.  Sharon will share her love of ducks provide recommendations for hot spots to go birding in winter.

Friday, November 13 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Members:  $10 | Non-members:  $15

Gilbert High, Jr., Esq.,  Senior Partner, High, Swartz LLP,

Learn about the legal aspects of tree care in the urban and suburban environment including trespass and liability concerns as well the arborist’s and homeowner’s duty to take care of trees. We will explore some of the differences between common law, state, and municipal law and how these laws affect our understanding of boundary trees, easements, rights-of-way, and the trees planted in these areas. A knowledge and awareness of some of these legal distinctions can be of great benefit to the practicing arborist, municipal arborist, shade tree commissioner, and land owner in determining how best to limit liability and properly care for trees on private property and in the public sector. Gilbert High, Jr. is a senior partner in the regional firm of High, Swartz LLP. The majority of his practice is concentrated in the field of municipal law. This course carries 1 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=0, P=0, M=1)..

Wednesday, December 2 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Fee:  $25

Larry Weaner, FAPLD, Principal, Larry Weaner Landscape Associates (LWLA) and Founder of New Directions in the American Landscape

Ian Caton, Founding Principal, Wood Thrush Native Nursery

Demand for high performing, ecology-based landscapes is increasing faster than the availability of the specialized knowledge to achieve them. This intensive, live, virtual course (three hours on Day 1, three hours on Day 2) provides real world guidance for designing and documenting all phases of native landscape development, including native plants and ecological processes specific to the mid-Atlantic US. Attendees will receive a 100+ page, password-protected digital manual that documents all aspects of the program, including plant selection criteria, plant recommendations, ecological process-based management specifications, and guidance for maximizing the aesthetic and experiential landscape appeal.

This course carries 6 CEUs for ISA Certified Arborists, (Science=2, Practice=2, Management=2).

This course carries 6 ASLA LA-CES credits for licensed Landscape Architects.

Thursday and Friday, December 3 & 4 | 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm (both days)

Registration Fee:   $150

Nick Fisichelli, President and CEO, Schoodic Institute, Acadia National Park

Ongoing and future climate change challenges land managers to encourage both current and future forest ecosystems. The magnitude of potential forest change is matched only by the uncertainties in future conditions and how trees will respond to these conditions. On-the-ground research experiments on tree seedlings are needed to understand which tree species will thrive and which will struggle under emerging conditions.  This research helps guide forest management responses to climate change. This talk highlights seedling experiments that contribute to the expanding toolbox of climate adaptation approaches that can be used by forest ecologists and managers.

This course carries 1 CEU for ISA Certified Arborists, (Science-0.5, Practice-0, Management-0.5).

This course carries 1 ASLA LA-CES credit for licensed landscape architects.

Thursday, October 29 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Fee:  $25

Michael J. Raupp, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Entomology and Extension Specialist, The University of Maryland

How does global warming affect us and other creatures on earth?  Join internationally recognized expert Mike Raupp as he reviews evidence for and possible causes of climate change.  See how warmer temperatures alter the geographic ranges of insect pests, their seasonal life cycles, and interactions among plants, animals that eat plants, and their natural enemies.  Learn about invasive species and urban heat islands.  An entomology professor at the University of Maryland and Science Channel Expert, Mike has more than 250 publications and has made more than 1,200 presentations on the ecology and management of insects and mites.  His book, Managing Insects and Mites on Woody Landscape Plants, is a standard for the arboricultural industry.

This course carries 1 CEU for ISA Certified Arborists, (Science-0.25, Practice-0.25, Management-0.5).

This course carries 1 ASLA LA-CES credit for licensed landscape architects.

Thursday, November 5 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Fee:  $25

Paul Meyer, Retired F. Otto Haas Executive Director, Morris Arboretum

Urban stresses of limited soil space, reflected heat, deicing salts, and more limit options for street side plantings.  Yet, maintaining species diversity is critical as we deal with climate change, and new, virulent pests and diseases.  In his illustrated talk, Paul Meyer will review urban stress factors and suggest 12 underused species to build the diversity in our urban forest.  

This course carries 1 CEU for ISA Certified Arborists, (Science-0.5, Practice-0.5, Management-0).

This course carries 1 ASLA LA-CES credit for licensed landscape architects.

Thursday, November 12 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Fee:  $25

Troy Bynum, Wildlife Photographer

Troy Bynum is a wildlife photographer and avid birder local to the Philadelphia area. Troy will share his process for capturing stunning nature photos in the Wissahickon section of Fairmount Park and in some of his other favorite spots like John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Troy will showcase some special birds and other animals he has been able to photograph, discuss the changing seasons in the Wissahickon, and talk about some of his equipment used to capture these beautiful images. Join us for a presentation of gorgeous images sure to inspire you to get out and enjoy the world around you.

Wednesday, November 4 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Members:  $10 | Non-members:  $15

Ginger Mimmo Rohlfing, Artist and Educator

Join us for a virtual exploration of art with organic materials! We will explore every-day nature and incorporate our findings into fun art projects using a variety of media. Each lesson will include step by step instruction for little hands and allow for lots of creativity through learning.  This class is for children ages 2-6.  

(List of suggested materials provided prior to class day)

Wednesday, October 7 and 28 | 10:30am - 11:30am Canceled

Fee per child (for two sessions):   Members: $20 | Non-members: $30