IFAS / PB County Environmental Horticulture

Welcome to IFAS / Palm Beach County Environmental Horticulture.  The author behind this page is Laura Sanagorski, Environmental Horticulture Extension Faculty, UF / IFAS Palm Beach County Extension.  My goal is to provide green industry professionals with the latest research in the horticulture field: pests, diseases, landscape issues, as well as educational and CEU opportunities.  This is your e-newsletter.

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GI-BMP Training in Belle Glade: June 18, 2013

UF / IFAS Palm Beach County Extension will conduct GI-BMP training in Belle Glade on June 18th to serve our clients to the west. 

GI-BMPs teach safe landscaping practices that protect the environment, including our ground and surface waters.  This program is the prerequisite of  the Limited Certification for Urban Fertilizer Applicators .  

To register for this opportunity or learn more, download the Belle Glade GI-BMP flyer.  GI-BMP training is also available online.  More information is  available on the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ website. 

Call 561.233.1759 with any questions you may have.

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Stay in touch with us by signing up for our e-newsletter!  The e-newsletter contains new publications, timely updates, and upcoming educational opportunities.  See a sample of our May e-newsletter here.

We hope to see you soon at an upcoming program, such as :

• May 30th Fertilizing the Florida Landscape To Minimize Impact on Ground and Surface Waters: Earn 2 CEUs and enjoy coffee and a light breakfast with your colleagues
• June 6th Florida Landscape Management Association Atlantic Coast Chapter Meeting
• June 18th GI-BMP program in Belle Glade.

Your Extension Agents are Serving up Coffee and Thursday Morning CEUs: May 30th

You’re invited to attend:

Fertilizing the Florida Landscape to Minimize Impact on Ground and Surface Waters….

… to enjoy breakfast and time to socialize with other green industry professionals. University of Florida fertilizer recommendations will be presented, with an emphasis on applying appropriate amounts and formulations of fertilizer. This program will include a discussion of the effect of turf fertilizers and reclaimed water on the landscape. An activity will prepare participants to convert water quality data into the amount of fertilizer applied, and consequently adjust fertilizer as needed.  View the flyer.

Two Category CEUs offered in: Private Applicator Ag., O&T, Limited Landscape, Limited L&O, or COmmercial L&O

Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding and Obtaining the GI-BMP Certification and Fertilizer License

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the GI-BMP training and application for fertilizer license 

I’m not sure if I or my employee(s) passed my GI-BMP post-test.  How can I find out?

• Visit http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/professionals/certification_lists/cert_county_name.shtml.  Click on “Palm Beach” to view all professionals who have successfully completed this training.  Note: this is not proof of Urban Fertilizer License (required of all professionals who apply fertilizer commercially as of 2014), but proof that the prerequisite was earned.
• Additionally, you can call 561.233.1759 a minimum of 4 weeks after your GI-BMP class (if you took the class through Palm Beach County Extension), with the date you took it, and we can look it up for you.

I passed my GI-BMP post-test, but I need to request a replacement certification card.  How do I order a replacement?

• Request a duplicate certificate at the GI-BMP website: http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/professionals/BMP_replace_certificate_form.htm.  You will need either your training ID number or the date and location of your training.

My information on file with the state GI-BMP office needs to be changed.  How do I change my address?

• You can update your address and employment information here: http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/professionals/BMP_contact_update_form.htm.   You will need either your training ID number or the date and location of your training.

I have my GI-BMP certificate of completion.  What do I need to do to obtain my Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer?

• Complete the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Agricultural Environmental Services application (http://www.pbcgov.com/coextension/horticulture/commercial/pdf/APPLICATION_FOR_LIMITED_CERTIFICATION.pdf) along with a check for $20.00, a photo, and a copy of your GI-BMP certificate to the address on the application.  We recommend that you keep the original GI-BMP certificate for your records.

Florida LMA ‘s Newest Chapter to Hold Social Gathering April 4th

UF / IFAS Palm Beach County Extension is home to the newest chapter of the Landscape Maintenance Association (LMA).  The LMA Atlantic Coast Chapter meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00pm.  The next meeting is a social gathering at Duffy’s Restaurant in Royal Palm Beach.  Duffy’s will donate 10% of the proceeds to the LMA.  Come out to meet other LMA members and the board and share industry stories.  Bring family and guests. 

Where: Duffy’s Restaurant, 11935 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, FL, 33411 [Map: http://goo.gl/maps/cVsHz]

When: April 4th, 7:00pm -

More details & RSVP: earthly_designs@comcast.net

Since 1988, The non-profit organization Landscape Management Association has served Florida.  The LMA’s principal objective is to promote sound landscaping and horticultural practices by providing knowledge, education and an extensive network of suppliers and support professionals to the landscape management industry.  Visit the LMA at www.floridalma.org  and Get Knowledge, Get Power, Get Mowing!

 

GI-BMP Training in Belle Glade: March 28, 2013

UF / IFAS Palm Beach County Extension will conduct GI-BMP training in Belle Glade on March 28th to serve our clients to the west. 

GI-BMPs teach safe landscaping practices that protect the environment, including our ground and surface waters.  This program is the prerequisite of  the Limited Certification for Urban Fertilizer Applicators .  

To register for this opportunity or learn more, see the Belle Glade GI-BMP Brochure.  GI-BMP training is also available online.  More information is  available on the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ website. 

Call 561.233.1759 with any questions you may have.

What License do I Need? ~ Guidance for Seeking Green Industry Credentials

What license do I need? How can I stand out as a qualified, licensed professional? These are common questions received from individuals who want to enter or excel in the green industry in Palm Beach County.   A new county fact sheet, What License do I Need? ~ Guidance for Seeking Green Industry Credentials is now available to address questions about some of the credentials that you may want or need. A table of links that will assist in locating licensing and credential information is located at the end of this publication.