This course has taught me to look at the whole picture and realize that I'm not just raising food but caring for and managing an ecosystem.
Don LaCroix, Organic Farmer
 

Organic Turf Management (1 - Day Intensive)

  • Overview
  • Locations
  • Fees
  • CECS

Lawns have a reputation for being toxic zones and water hogs - but these are not intrinsic qualities of the lawn. They are instead the result of chemical-based lawn management practices, that destroy the soil ecology, reduce the soil's natural water holding capacity, and make the grass dependent on ever increasing chemical inputs.

Certainly, it is possible to manage lawns differently, but this requires a shift in thinking, a different way of looking at your garden.

In this very intensive two-day workshop we will introduce you to the underlying principles and processes at work within natural ecosystems. You will learn how the use of environmental toxins is counterproductive to achieving your landscape goals, and we will construct a new decision making framework that enables you to work with nature to create and maintain healthy, beautiful lawns.

You will also

  • understand the process of transitioning a landscape from chemical dependency to organic self-sufficiency
  • gain a deeper understanding of organic horticulture in general


Topics include:

  • Interdependence within ecosystems
  • Soil ecology, biology and chemistry
  • Soil fertility management
  • Underlying causes of plant & landscape health problems
  • Pesticides and their effect on ecosystems
  • Turf physiology & cultural requirements
  • Maintenance practices for optimal turf health
  • Managing turf problems
  • Preventing turf problems at the design and installation stages


This workshop will be of particular interest to:

  • landscapers and turf managers
  • experienced home gardeners
  • educators
  • professionals working in the areas of land stewardship, land development and restoration
  • policy makers and advisers concerned with pesticide legislation


Those who have been practicing conventional horticulture will find their practices challenged, nagging doubts exposed, questions answered they didn't even know they had, and new questions arising. Everyone will gain a deeper understanding of how nature works.

This course is only available upon request.



Student Comment

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I enjoyed and learned from your workshop, which I attended today (Dec. 01, 2007) on 'organic turf management'.

I have been a professional Landscape Horticulturist - Arborist for over 26 years and have attended countless workshops, seminars, etc., over the years. Frankly, I have become more than a little blase' and skeptical about hearing the same old things repeated over and over again, and I must admit I was more than a little hesitant to even sign up for your workshop in the first place. Over the years of my career I have learned purely through personal experience that we can never control or dominate nature. The only way we will ever be 'good gardeners' is if we emulate & reproduce natural processes.

Today I met someone, unexpectedly, in a run-down Burnaby classroom who is speaking my language.... who really understands what it's all about......My hat is off to you! You've certainly won over another convert.... and I really want to thank you personally for the excellent work that you are doing. In my professional opinion, your way is the only way and the only way that makes any sense to me.

Today there were 9 people in your classroom......... in years to come I wouldn't be surprised to see 900........ Keep up the good work!

Lance Sharon, Upper Levels Landscape Management Ltd.
West Vancouver

Fees include printed and on-line handouts, the text "Working With Nature - Shifting Paradigms", as well as 1-year access to our extensive on-line resource library, discussion forums and much more.

Fees $TBA

Fees are payable at time of registration.

You may register on-line or by mail.

 

Payment Options


By Mail On-line
Cheque drawn on a Canadian bank
Money order in Canadian funds




Attendance at this program earns you the following Continuing Education Credits (CECs):

International Society of Arboriculture: Certified Arborist
Pre-approved:
3.5 Credits

International Society of Arboriculture: Board Certified Management Arborist
Pre-approved:
3.5 Credits (Science 3.5)

B.C. Society of Landscape Architects
As per Society guidelines - eligibility of this program has been confirmed

SOUL Certified Organic Land Care Professional
8 credits - as per certification renewal guidelines

Canadian Horticultural Technician
8 credits - as per certification renewal guidelines