NOFA Annual Gathering 2016 Event Posting

NOFA Annual Gathering 2016

Biodiversity in the Landscape 

Friday, December 9, 2016

8:00am - 3:30pm

Aqua Turf Club, Southington, CT

RSVP

6 AOLCP CEUs

Register today for our 11^th Annual Gathering for Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals (AOLCPs) and anyone who loves natural and sustainable land care practices!  Get informed on the latest news and practices from our guest speakers, network with other professionals, and immerse yourself in this year's theme, Biodiversity in the Landscape, to discover how we can create and nurture diverse landscapes that support our pollinators and wildlife.

Early bird ends Nov 9th!
Register Online HERE or Call 203-308-2584

AOLCPs and NOFA members: $110/ Non-members $120

After Nov 9, $135 member/ $145 non-member

Register 3 or more: $100 each ticket

Meet Our Keynote Speaker

Catherine Zimmerman, AOLCP

Keynote address: Creating Habitat Heroes Across the Nation

Certified horticulturist, landscape designer, author, award-winning director of photography and producer of the documentary film Hometown Habitat, Stories of Bringing Nature Home

 

Catherine Zimmerman, an award-winning director of photography, celebrates her 41st year as a documentary filmmaker, working primarily on education and environmental issues. Catherine's latest film release, Hometown Habitat, Stories of Bringing Nature Home, is a collaboration with Dr. Douglas Tallamy.  The documentary explores how and why native plants are critical to the survival and vitality of local eco-systems,and tells inspiring stories of habitat heroes across the country who are working to bring back nature in their hometowns. Go to Catherine's new website to see the movie trailer!

In 2010 Catherine published Urban & Suburban Meadows, Bringing Meadowscaping to Big and Small Spaces. The book is a stunning and enticing introduction to meadowscaping that encourages readers do away with pesticides, reduce lawn and return their land to a beautiful, natural habitat for native plants and wildlife. The companion video was produced in 2012.

Catherine hopes her projects will help fire up the movement toward making natural landscapes the new landscaping norm. She is looking forward to addressing an audience of change-makers at the 11th Annual Gathering, a group who can continue to spread her messages to homeowners and land managers.

Meet Our Guest Speakers

Linda Walczak

Julie Snell

Linda Walczak and

Julie Snell 

TEND Landscape, Inc., Philadelphia, PA

"Biodiversity in Urban Gardens-Opportunities and Challenges"

Diane St. John

Diane St. John

Natureworks Organic Garden Center

Northford, CT

"Nurturing Monarchs-One Butterfly at a Time"

 

 

Karen Bussolini

 Karen Bussolini

Garden Writer & Photographer, Kent, CT

"The Year-Round Pollinator Garden"

John Campanelli

John Campanelli

UCONN, Storrs, CT

"Native Plant Mixes for Borders and Roadways"

Kim Stoner

 Dr. Kim Stoner, Entomologist

 Connecticut Ag. Experiment Station

 New Haven, CT
"Increasing Pollinators by Increasing Plant Diversity"

Conference Venue: Aqua Turf Club in Southington, CT

556 Mulberry St, Southington, CT 06479

Click here for directions

Sponsorship, Exhibitor, Advertising, and Raffle Opportunities - We have room for you!

We are sold out of Gold Sponsorships and only have few Silver Sponsorships left. We still have exhibitor tables for $300, which include one ticket. To learn more about becoming a Silver Sponsor or exhibitor, please call 203-308-2584 or email jeremy@organiclandcare.net.

We are accepting raffle donations, which are a great way to expose your business to potential customers! Act now if you'd like your business to participate by contacting jeremy@organiclandcare.net.

Thank you to our Premium OLC Sponsors for supporting us Year-Round!

Thank you to our Annual Gathering Sponsors, for supporting this important event!
Gold Sponsors- Organic Plant Magic, Compostwerks and Osborne Organics!

             

  

  


Silver Sponsors - Frank Crandall Horticultural Solutions and Green Earth Ag& Turf

            

A Q&A with Barry Draycott, President of Tech Terra Environmental, industry expert, and AOLCP

What is your business and who does it serve?
Tech Terra Environmental is a leader in the green industry providing ecological solutions for professional landscapers, municipalities, schools and National Parks.
What is the state of the organic gardening industry? 

Barry Draycott of Tech Terra Environmental

Where do you see the greatest growth and what’s driving it? (change in consumer sentiment? Municipal laws? Geographical, municipal vs. commercial vs. private (turf, commercial property, hotels/resorts, golf clubs, etc.)
The organic industry is trending! Consumers are becoming more curious and aware of what is going into their gardens and realize that there are solutions that are effective but do not harm. Stricter regulations on pesticides and fertilizers have been effective in driving more interest from conventional landscape management towards an organic approach. In addition, the effectiveness of newer organic/natural insect, disease and weed control products have helped our clients provide better results than past organic programs.


What are some of the most common challenges professionals face in caring for the land organically and what approach do you take to solving them?
I think the biggest challenge to the landscape industry in adopting organic methods is the lack of knowledge of how to implement a comprehensive program for their clients. We help them understand how to improve soil health and implement sound cultural practices while providing them with the products they need to be successful. We recently received this comment from a tree care company in New Jersey; My biggest problem was switching typical pest control to organics. Tech Terra made it seamless for me.


What advice do you have for conventional land care professionals who are considering transitioning to organic?
Speak to other colleagues/ landscape professionals who have converted. Education is a great tool to understand what approach is best for your business. In my case, the turning point was attending AOLCP courses and becoming accredited.
Do your research and purchase products from companies that have experience in the industry and are willing to guide you through the process.


How do you consider your business to be part of the solution to environmental degradation and overuse of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides? How do you educate your clientele?
I have been in the landscape industry since 1979. About 20 years ago I began questioning “standard procedures” and began researching organic methods. Our passion is about being better environmental stewards, not just about providing lawn care products. The products and application programs we offer have been tested by us in the field and by experts in the industry. We are extremely knowledgeable about soil biology and spread the word by educating our market with seminars, classes and most importantly we are just a phone call away for any advice needed.

Q&A with Frank Crandall, Owner of Horticultural Solutions and NOFA Teacher

Question: Please describe your business - who does it serve?

Horticultural Solutions, LLC: I am the owner of an organic landscape design, maintenance, and construction firm in Charlestown, RI. I have been primarily organic since 2005 experiencing an increase in organic services each year. Additionally, I speak at NOFA Courses, give organic workshops and consult with other landscape firms looking to improve their business organization, profitability and organic services offered.

Frank Crandall

Question: What is the state of the organic gardening industry? Where do you see the greatest growth and what’s driving it?

The demand for organic services has increased steadily over the past 5 years…mainly from customer concerns about chemicals used on their lawns, in their gardens and throughout their properties. The concern for the environment, child and pet safety and wanting to do the right thing influences customer’s desires to have environmentally friendly landscape services. Our clientele, mostly homeowners living on coastal properties, are concerned about chemical use that will affect their families, pets and local sensitive areas like ponds, the ocean and streams.

Question: What are some of the most common challenges professionals face in caring for the land organically and what approach do you take to solving them?

Organic veggie gardens increasing in popularity

Commonly, new clients think organics will not work and they are expensive…two myths that need to be explained before new customers will consider organic services. We have many examples to show clients that organic lawn care, landscape health care and organic vegetable gardening not only work but produce extremely healthy, productive and pesticide free landscapes. Although the initial cost of transitioning to organic care will involve an investment…the long-term expense will actually be similar to traditional landscape care or even lower.

Question: What advice do you have for conventional land care professionals who are considering transitioning to organic?

Education is the Key for Homeowners and New Organic Professionals: Unfortunately, there are landscapers, lawn care, and maintenance companies that believe that they can convert to “organics” without a comprehensive educational program (like the NOFA Accreditation Course) which is not the case. Transitioning to an organic based land care program requires the science, experience, knowledge and expertise of the instructors that teach (share) the information, methods and research that is needed to fully understand the organic way. They also demonstrate how to implement the methods, seek additional help and educate your new customer base to understand why, how and when the organic transition will be effective. Becoming an AOLCP (Accredited Organic Land Care Professional) is the best way to gain the knowledge, resources, confidence and expertise to understand organics…and make them work for you and your customers!

Question: How do you consider your business to be part of the solution to environmental degradation and overuse of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides? How do you educate your clientele?

Raised beds, welcome additions to the landscape

Organic Landscaping is Part of the Solution: I have always had an inclination toward less pesticide and chemical use, but it wasn’t until I took the NOFA Accreditation Course in 2005 that I began to feel confident about making the transition to organics, personally and business-wise. I feel I am making a difference in the RI coastal communities I serve…one organic landscape at a time. Sharing information, realistic expectations and a sound plan to convert to organically maintained properties is the key. One area that has become a vital service I offer is organic vegetable garden design and maintenance. Our gardens have become much sought after, beautiful and the most productive gardens around…all with no pesticides and 100% organic.

Organics…the Investment That Helps You, Your Business and the Environment!

There are few educational opportunities that will provide the benefits that the NOFA Accreditation Course will…for your future life, business opportunities and the environment. The NOFA Course was the best educational course I ever have taken…and it continues to supply innumerable benefits 11 years later!

Please feel free to contact me to discuss the course, my organic business or anything related to transitioning from traditional to organic landscaping!

Frank Crandall   401-742-7619 cell   FrankCrandall3@gmail.com