SCHEDULE
8:00am- 9:45am: “Moving Forward With Soil Life”
Dr. Elaine Ingham
Dr. Ingham is known world-wide for her work with the soil food web, helping people in many countries to understand that the way to sustainable farming is to return life to the soil. The science-based reasons for why soil life grows healthy plants, animals and humans are presented by Dr. Ingham and people she has trained.
Lecture will address soil biology and how it does the following:
Building Soil Structure
Natural Nutrient Cycling
Carbon Sequestering
9:45am-10:15am: Break
10:15 - 11:15am: "Organic Lawn Care"
Richard Staudt
Richard owns an organic landscaping company in Nassau County. He will address organic fertilizers and different cultural practices to enhance a natural lawn maintenance program. He will discuss water management and how the overuse of pesticides affects our groundwater quality.
Transitioning from traditional 4 step program to organic
Cultural changes necessary to maintain organic program
Applications of different organic soil amendments
Soil Compaction and Water Management
Overseeding and Core Aeration
11:15am-12:15pm: “Reducing the Chemical Dependencies of Lawn Care”
Skip Wade
Skip manages a golf course in Nassau County. He will discuss how his organic program has decreased pesticide applications. He will also address compost topdressing.
How to Reduce Nitrogen applications
A 10 year Review of Pesticide Reduction on Turf
My Philosophy of Organic Lawn Care vs Conventional Lawn Care
12:15 - 1:30 LUNCH (provided)
1:30pm- 2:30pm: “ Biodynamic Compost Development”
Barbara Shinn
Barbara is the co-owner of Shinn Estate which is located in Mattituck,
NY. The 20 acre farm is farmed holistically employing sustainable,
organic and biodynamic techniques. Barbara is a viticulturist
and soil agronomist of the estate and is credited for bringing a
natural approach to wine growing practices on Long Island.
Lecture will address these components of compost production:
What is an Aerated Windrow Pile?
What are the correct ingredients and how much of each?
Using manure in the pile- DEC and Federal requirements
How often to turn and how to monitor temperature
Curing the compost
Figuring the cubic feet and weight of the pile
When and how much to spread
2:20pm-3:30pm : “Establishing Self Sustaining Beautiful Landscapes”
James Sottilo
James is the owner of Ecological Landscape Management. He will explain his organic approach to large public projects throughout the country. He will also discuss the process of developing an organic maintenance program for these projects. New organic tools for landscape establishment and pesticide
free options.
No phosphorus fertilizer program
Building soil carbon and organic matter naturally
Storm water management
Biophillic Landscape Management