Fall Pro Day

(Updated: Sept. 22, 2025, 11:12 a.m.)
Fall Pro day flyer. Text included in the web posting

Thursday, October 23 from 8 am - 3 pm

Extension Office (589 Raccoon Rd, Waynesville)

Receive 5 L credits!

Cost $40. Register for Fall Pro Day here!

Program:

8:00 am          Registration

8:20 am          Welcome

                         Rachel Douglas, N.C. Cooperative Extension Agent – Haywood County

8:30 am          Licensed Applicator Responsibilities

Scott Few, NCDA&CS Pesticide Inspector I

9:30 am          Bee Aware: How to Protect Pollinators

Bart Renner,N.C. Cooperative Extension Agent – Transylvania County

In this talk, we will learn about the importance of pollinators to our green industry and how we can apply pesticide products while keeping these beneficial pollinators in mind. Pesticide applicator best management practices will be discussed, as well as navigating potential concerns that clients might have relating to pollinator safety.

10:30 am        Break

10:45 am  Holistic Tree Health- Keeping Trees Healthy to Resist Pests

                          Steve Pettis, N.C. Cooperative Extension Agent – Henderson County

Learn how to care for trees to prevent pest issues in the landscape. In this talk, Steve will discuss what Best Management Practices (BMPs) are out there to put trees in a position to thrive. Learn how cultural practices can reduce pesticide usage, and is a crucial part of your IPM program in the landscape.

11:45 am        Lunch Provided with Registration

12:45 pm        Invasive Plant Management: Aftermath of Helene

                          Luke Owen, N.C. Cooperative Extension Agent – Buncombe County

Learn about specific best management practices related to IPM and pesticide usage for invasive plants that are commonly found in the landscape, and prevent prevalence and establishment after Helene.

1:45 pm          What is Wrong with my Plant? Diagnostic Steps 

Rachel Douglas, N.C. Cooperative Extension Agent – Haywood County

In this talk, we will learn effective questions to ask, and evidence to look for when diagnosing the various environmental, and biotic factors of an ailing plant.

2:45pm           Wrap Up & Evaluations