Tag: Rick Harper

  • Tuesday, September 11, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm – Emerald Ash Borer Field Day

    Join Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension Entomologist, Rick Harper, UMass Extension Associate Professor, Ken Gooch and Nicole Keleher, MA Department of Conservation and Recreation Forest Health Program, Phil Lewis, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service PPQ, and Mollie Freilicher, MA Department of Conservation and Recreation Urban and Community Forestry Program, for a field day devoted to the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB). The morning will begin with a classroom-style overview of ash tree and EAB identification and status, as well as insect monitoring and management options. The remainder of the program will include on-site visitation of the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary to view ash trees and EAB infestations. Trapping demonstrations and tips to carry out community tree inventories to detect and manage ash trees will also occur. This training is designed for arborists, tree wardens/urban foresters, municipal officials, landscapers, land managers, landowners and tree enthusiasts.

    Co-sponsored by UMass Extension, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Mass Audubon. Preregistration required – space is limited to 60 participants; cost is a reduced $25 per person, thanks to funding support provided by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and meeting space provided by Mass Audubon. Lunch will be on your own but morning coffee and snacks will be provided. The event takes place at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Road in Easthampton on Tuesday, September 11 from 8:30 – 1. Print registration form at https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/events/emerald-ash-borer-field-day

    Image result for emerald ash borer damage

  • Tuesdays, January 23 – February 13, (snow date February 20), 6:00 pm – 9:15 pm – Master Tree Steward Program

    Tower Hill Botanic Garden will present the Master Tree Steward Program on Tuesdays, January 23-February 13 (snow date February 20), 6-9:15pm (every session is mandatory for the completion of the class)

    Tower Hill Members $100, Non-member $120 4-Week Series (includes learning materials)

    Registration closes December 31st.

    Instructors: Trained Forestry and Horticultural Professionals:

    Jan 23rd: Intro – Grace Elton, CEO Tower Hill & Ruth Seward Exec Director, WTI
    Cut it Out: Basic Tree Pruning Techniques – Derek Lirange, Community Forester, WTI

    Jan 30th: Tree Biology: Dr Kelly Bellin, College of the Holy Cross
    Tree Planting & Establishment Care – Kathryn Aroian, Deputy Liaison MA ALB Eradication Team USDA, APHIS.
    Soil & Plant Nutrition: Derek Lirange, Community Forester, WTI

    Feb 6th: Community & tree Pests – A.J. Elton, Forester
    Tree Health Assessments – Rick Harper, UMASS Amherst

    Feb 13th: Fungal Diseases – Grace Elton, CEO Tower Hill Botanic Garden
    Tree Identification – Derek Lirange

    To complete this program, participants must commit to at least 20 hours of volunteer time in the urban forest of Worcester or at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, as well as organize one pruning outing project to demonstrate leadership.

    Learn the skills essential to urban and community forestry and become tree stewards in your community. Topics covered will include basic pruning techniques and safety, tree identification and biology, proper tree planting and establishment care, tree pests and diseases, tree health assessment and urban soil challenges.

    SKILL LEVEL: ALL LEVELS
    Classes scheduled every week on Tuesday starting 1/23/2018 and ending 2/13/2018 at 6:00PM. Register online at https://towerhillbg.thankyou4caring.org/pages/event-registration-form—master-tree-steward-program