The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County Master Gardener Program will host the 2019 Education Day from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at Classics V Banquet & Conference Center, 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd, Amherst.
The cost for Education Day is $35 for Erie County Master Gardeners, $45 for Master Gardeners from outside Erie County and associates, and $55 for the general public.
Advance registration is required; register here. Registration is not complete until payment has been received. Registration fees are non-refundable. Space is limited.
The registration fee includes a hot buffet lunch, beverages and snacks.
For persons with disabilities requiring accommodations, please contact Jolie Hibit at jah663@cornell.edu or (716) 652-5400, ext. 176 by 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 11.
Speakers and topics are:
Wildlife damage
If you’ve ever had a problem with deer, rabbits, woodchucks, moles, voles or other furry critters, this program is for you. Dr. Paul Curtis, the Extension Wildlife Specialist in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University for the past 27 years, will give the presentation. He stresses evaluating wildlife behavior to understand how to control nuisance animals. He will discuss a variety of management techniques for reducing wildlife damage. (See an interview with Curtis in Suburban sprawl isn’t taking habitat from deer; it’s creating havens for them)
Soil health
The key to a great garden is having healthy soil. Get information on what to do about soil problems from Bob Schindelbeck, an extension associate in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Cornell University. You’ll also learn why you may not want to till your soil. Schindelbeck coordinates the Cornell Soil Health Laboratory operations and development. He is an author and frequent speaker on soil health issues.
Good insects, bad insects
Dr. Wayne Gall, one of the most recognized experts on insects in New York State, will show you how to identify beneficial insects and will share tips on what to do about the harmful insects in your landscape. Gall was the regional entomologist for the New York State Department of Health and provided technical support to county health departments and clinicians in 17 western counties of New York. After retiring from the Department of Health, he now serves the US Department of Agriculture as entomologist and identifier, with a laboratory at the Peace Bridge. (He helped to introduce us to the brown marmorated stink bug.)
