Biweekly Update – October 31

Change in Policy Regarding Pesticide Use by Volunteers – The use of pesticides by Extension Master Gardener volunteers in their volunteer role is governed both by state law and by Virginia Cooperative Extension and Virginia Tech policies. You may have heard that there has been a change in the state law to allow use of herbicides by volunteers under very limited and specific circumstances. The Extension Master Gardener program leaders and the Virginia Master Naturalist program leaders have worked together with the Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs director and the Virginia Tech Office of Risk Management to revise the policy in order to match the new law. The revised policy is attached here. You can consider this policy effective as of today, but we will be adding it to the upcoming new version of the Volunteer Handbook. Please read it thoroughly and feel free to ask questions as needed. 

 New Announcements

1. Webinar Series
   • November 18 2:00 pm | Peach Basics with Andy Rollins – In this session, Andy Rollins of South Carolina Extension will cover peach growing basics for home gardeners. For EMGs who provide plant troubleshooting services to your locality, this session will improve your ability to solve peach challenges for your stakeholders. Peaches are a great choice for Virginia gardeners interested in fruit production–Andy will give us all tips for a successful peach crop!

                                                              i.      About the Speaker: Andy Rollins is the Horticultural Agent for the upstate of SC. He is specialized in commercial fruit and vegetable production and assists new growers with problem diagnosis and multiple decisions including soil testing/preparation, location/size of the planting, spray choices, calibration, and variety selection. Andy is actively involved in research projects with Clemson University as well as USDA-ARS specialists, and also does some new product testing.

                                                             ii.      Register for the November webinar here

1. • December 3 2:00 pm | Invasion Biology Wrap-Up with Jacob Barney

                                                              i.      Jacob Barney currently serves as the Director of the Invasive Species Collaborative (ISC). The ISC is a faculty collaborative that began in the Global Change Center at Virginia Tech with support from the Fralin Life Sciences Institute and the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost. The ISC nurtures transdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, industry, and communities to promote a deep understanding of the impacts of invasive species on ecosystems and society and foster an inclusive environment where science and policy meet to tackle this global challenge. Dr Barney also teaches several courses at Virginia Tech, including “Biological Invasions,” a course on the causes, consequences, and epidemiology of invasive plants, animals, and microbes.

                                                             ii.      Register for the Dec 3 webinar here

                                                           iii.      Land Stewards: This content is good quality CE for your Advanced EMG certification.

1. • December 19 2:00 pm | Invasive Plants, Restoration and the Sound of Urban Streams with Gabrielle Ripa – In this presentation, Gabrielle will present her PhD work on acoustic monitoring of stream ecosystems and the impact invasive species have on the acoustic landscape.

                                                              i.      Gabrielle Ripa is a PhD student at Virginia Tech who is studying how to limit invasive plants on stream restoration projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Because of her background in wildlife ecology, Gabrielle is also seeking to connect the changes to the stream environment, due to invasion and restoration, to the animal community through acoustic monitoring. She hopes her work can inform the design of restoration projects that are better at recovering both plant and animal communities.

                                                             ii.      Register for the Dec 19 webinar here

                                                           iii.      Water Stewards: This content is good quality CE for your Advanced EMG certification.

1. • All webinars are recorded and posted in the webinar archive
2. VMGA November Educational Event November 9^th: Register now
   • The Virginia Master Gardener Association (VMGA) is excited to announce its Fall Continuing Education Day, scheduled for Saturday, November 9th, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Washington VA Volunteer Fire Meeting Hall, located at 10 Firehouse Lane, Washington, VA 22747.
   • This event will feature a lineup of expert speakers, each bringing a wealth of knowledge in their respective fields:

                                                              i.      Janet Davis of Hill House Nursery will delve into the Propagation of Woody Plants, with a special focus on native species. Janet’s expertise in nurturing and multiplying these essential plants will provide valuable insights for anyone interested in expanding their garden or landscape.

                                                             ii.      Matt Bright from Earth Sangha will speak on the importance of Keystone Plants and Plant Communities. Keystone plants play a critical role in supporting local ecosystems, and Matt will guide us in understanding which species are vital for the health and biodiversity of our natural surroundings as well as how you create Plant Communities with them.

                                                           iii.      Pat Lust, Professor Emerita from Longwood University, will share her extensive knowledge on Seed Propagation. Pat’s session will cover the fundamentals of starting plants from seed, offering both practical tips and a deeper understanding of the science behind successful propagation.

• • Following the morning lectures, participants will have the opportunity to visit Hill House Nursery, located just 15-20 minutes from the Fire House. This field trip will allow attendees to see many of the propagation techniques discussed during the lectures in action and explore the nursery’s diverse collection of plants. (We will carpool to and from the nursery). This event promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your journey in horticulture. Don’t miss this chance to learn from some of the best in the field and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Mark your calendars for November 9th, and join us for a day of education, inspiration, and community! 

1. Danville Master Gardeners’ 12th annual Spring to Green (STG) conference will be held on February 8, 2025. Registration is now open, and STG shirts are available for purchase! To register, go to Eventbrite.com and look for Spring to Green. If you want to register by mail, go to Danvillemastergardeners.org and download a registration form and mail the completed form to 326 Taylor Dr, Suite 100, Danville, VA 24541.

Old November Announcements

3. Heart of Virginia Lunch & Learn Series Prince Edward Extension Office, 100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA
   3. 11/21/24 12-1 pm Bring your lunch and join us for a session of fun holiday decoration make and take with Prince Edward Extension Agent, Erin Small.  The class is limited in size and registration is required. Call to register 434-392-4246.
4. Salt Tolerant Plants: November 4, 2024 |VIRGINIA BEACH MASTER GARDENERS PRESENT GARDENING TALKS: Join us on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 7 pm via ZOOM for a Gardening Talks presentation on:  Salt Tolerant Plants    Speaker: Liz Maurer, VBMG

• • Our proximity to the ocean means our landscape plants are subject to salt spray that can drift inland during high winds. Salt can accumulate on plant surfaces as well as in the soil. In some areas, brackish flood waters may contribute to challenges the plants face. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and possible ways to help your plants survive as well as suggestions for plants that can best withstand these conditions
  • Gardening Talks is presented via Zoom and is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  No registration is required.   Gardening Talks are one hour. 
  • Go to VBMG.org and click on the Zoom link!  Check out upcoming Gardening Talks for 2024 as you explore our website!