Story from the Suncoast News
Professional lawn services, pest control workers, landscapers and others in the turf-management field are being invited to participate this Monday in a daylong training program focusing on protecting the environment. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will offer its Green Industries Best Management Practices Educational Program from 8:45 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. May 18, at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center.
Professionals in grounds maintenance, handling of pesticides and lawn care from Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties are expected to participate in the workshop, and will be learning methods of organic lawn care.
After training and passing a test, participants will be some of the first people in the industry to receive the newly required Environmental Protection Best Management Certification for commercial fertilizer applicators, according to Mary Burrell, a Pinellas County spokeswoman.
Participants can earn credits toward renewal of their pesticide license and other requirements.
Topics to be discussed at Monday's workshop will include protecting water quality and understanding the effects of mowing, fertilization and irrigation on plant health.
The course will deal with irrigation requirements, including landscape watering system design, installation, monitoring and troubleshooting. The storage, handling and disposal of pesticides will be discussed.
