A Two-Part Workshop for Landscape Designers, Installers & Maintenance Professionals

This two-part workshop offers landscape professionals the tools to design, install and maintain landscapes using ecologically-sensitive techniques. Attendees will learn how to reduce detrimental impacts on the environment, including river ecology, through strategies that support pesticide reduction. You’ll also learn about certifications and marketing strategies to promote your skills and share information and resources with your landscape professional peers at a field session. 

 $50 Registration fee covers attendance at both sessions and includes lunch for the workshop.

Spanish interpretation available. Scholarships available for participants with Spanish as first language. 
Continuing education credits have been requested from Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide Division and Oregon Landscape Contractor’s Board.

Help make this and future workshops the most beneficial for your work. Take our quick 5 minute survey. 
Survey in English  |  Encuesta en Español

AGENDA:

Organic Management Strategies

Dave Alba, Pacific Northwest Coalition of Organic Land Care Professionals

David brings a unique approach to environmental change by incorporating a deep commitment to sustainability with the ability to help people make life-changes. With over 25 years of counseling, teaching and community development combined with almost 30 years experience in organic horticulture, specifically in landscaping, horticultural therapy, small farm management, and restoration, David is well situated to help people change behavior and develop ecologically based decision-making.

Managing Large Landscapes without Pesticides

Rick Martinson, Owner, WinterCreek Restoration

Rick has been working in the environmental and land management field for more years than he'll admit.  His previous experience includes work as an ecologist, botanist, environmental scientist, and archaeologist in a variety of environments around the country. He has used that knowledge to create unique environments and award-winning landscapes in the western U.S. for nearly 20 years.  

Rick is a recognized national leader in ecology based landscape design and construction. He regularly teaches courses in native plants, ecology based design, or applied ecology through Oregon and Washington Tilth, Oregon State University, and Central Oregon Community College, and is a frequent guest lecturer at numerous other organizations and conferences. He is a long time member of the Natural Areas Association, Society for Ecological Restoration, Oregon Landscape Contractors Association, and other professional societies.  He is also a Central Oregon Master Gardener.

Regenerating Ecology through Plant Density

Erik Swartzendruber, Construction Supervisor, Gaia Landscapes and Founder, Willamette Valley Regenerative Landscaping Coalition

Erik is a construction supervisor with Gaia Landscapes in Corvallis, Oregon. He has worked for 17 years in the landscape industry, 15 of those with Gaia Landscapes.  He is a recent founding member of the Willamette Valley Regenerative Landscaping Coalition, which aims to address carbon issues in landscaping. He is passionate about finding ways to help landscaping make a difference with the ecology.

EcoBiz: Practical Solutions for Economic and Environmental Vitality

Mitch Frister, Oregon Manager, Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC)

Mitch is the manager of the EcoBiz program and has a background in technical assistance and community outreach. A Portland State University grad, Mitch developed innovative recycling systems for the Port of Portland and Portland Community College. As a Recycle at Work Specialist with Clackamas County, he conducted sustainability outreach to hundreds of businesses

Organic Soil Management

James Cassidy, OSU Crop and Soil Science faculty member, OSU Organic Growers Club Faculty Advisor

James is a senior instructor of Soil Science at Oregon State University and the faculty advisor and founder of the OSU Organic Growers Club - OSU's student farm.  The club has been in existence for over 17 years and has cycled thousands of students through the farm project.  James speaks of soil as the fundamental basis of the wealth of every nation. All terrestrial life is dependent on it and, yet, most people never give it a second thought. We live off of the surplus energy derived from soils. Understanding soil is essential for anyone interested in how it works. 

Attendees with Spanish as a first language may qualify for free admission.  Please contact Sharon Selvaggio at (503) 704-0327 if you are interested in this scholarship.  Free spaces are limited.