UMass Extension will hold the 2023 Community Tree Conference online on February 28th from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
AGENDA
8:30 Welcoming Remarks — Brian Kane, UMass & David Bloniarz, USDA Forest Service,
8:45 Pioneer Valley Healthy Air Initiative: Citizen-science to study trees and air quality — Yoni Glogower, City of Holyoke
This presentation outlines the Pioneer Valley Healthy Air Initiative, which represents a partnership between leading researchers and communities in the CT River Valley. The project team are examining the relationship between trees and air quality, using neighborhood residents as citizen-scientists.
9:30 Boston Urban Forest Master Plan: A Model for Community Forestry – Liza Meyer, Boston Parks and Recreation
The Urban Forest Plan (UFP) is a long-term citywide strategic vision to create a sustainable and equitable urban forest in Boston. It sets a framework, not only for the care, management, and expansion of the urban forest, but also for how the Boston community works together to plan for its future.
10:15 Break
10:30 Speak for the Trees: Bringing Tree Equity to Boston — David Meshoulam, Speak for the Trees Boston
This presentation introduces Speak for the Trees Boston, whose mission is to improve the size, health and equity of the urban tree canopy in Boston, with a focus on under-resourced and under-canopied neighborhoods.
11:15 PowerCorps Boston Green Skills Program — Davo Jefferson, PowerCorps Boston
This session introduces an innovative new program, which is being used to train at-risk youth from Boston’s low-income neighborhoods in green skills and environmental stewardship. Arboriculture, urban forestry, and horticulture are some of the topics that are introduced during this full-time, six-month program.
Noon Lunch
12:30 Presentation of Scholarships
12:45 MA Greening the Gateway Cities Program — Joshua Soojian, MA DCR and Ryan Fawcett, Quincy GGCP
This session will outline the Massachusetts Greening the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP), using the success of this initiative in the town of Quincy. An update of the statewide program will also be provided, along with examples of community engagement in the GGCP cities.
1:30 Insect Pests of Trees and Shrubs – Updates — Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension Entomologist
Tawny will discuss insect pests of trees and shrubs that were reported in 2022 – including but not limited to: scale insects, bark and ambrosia beetles, and updates about invasive insects to keep your eye on in 2023. Cultural/mechanical management, biological control, and chemical management options to be discussed as time allows.
2:30 Diseases of Trees and Shrubs – Updates — Nicholas Brazee, UMass Plant Diagnostic Laboratory
Current diseases threatening ornamental trees and shrubs, including their identification, biology, and management options.
3:25 Adjourn, Wrap-up, Instructions for Pesticide and Association Credits
Participants will qualify for two pesticide contact hours for categories 29, 35, 36, and Applicators License.
2 MCA, 2 MCLP, 1 MCH, 5.75 ISA,
5.5 (cat 1) SAF, and 5 (cat 1) CFE credits.
Cost of the Conference is $75. Preregistration required so attendees receive the Zoom link ahead of time.