Annual workshops for nursery & green industry professionals, public works employees, landscape managers, arborists, tree board volunteers and cemetery & grounds keepers.
2023 Winter Update Programs
This year a series of seven workshops will be offered across Nebraska on the following dates. Register Now!
- February 8, Grand Island
- February 9, Beatrice
- February 14, Columbus
- February 15, North Platte
- February 21, Lincoln
- March 9, Scottsbluff
- March 15, Omaha
Cost varies by site. Lunch is included at some sites. At those sites, lunch is not guaranteed for registrations received after the site's registration deadline.
Topics include:
- Japanese Beetles and More - Japanese beetles are an invasive species moving throughout Nebraska and leaving a wake of destruction in its path. These and a few other pests are causing a great deal of damage to many of our landscape ornamentals. Learn about these more problematic pests including magnolia scale, kermes scale, twig girdlers and more and find ways to manage your plants from these harmful pests.
- What's Wrong with my Turf? - Solving turf problems can be challenging and complicated. Living and non-living factors are influential including seasonal changes of the environment; all must be taken into account in a step-by-step approach. Grow your diagnostic skills by learning how to distinguish damage symptoms between common insects, diseases and drought effects.
- What's Wrong with my Spruce? - Spruces are an important evergreen tree for Nebraska landscapes and windbreaks. But even this tough, hardy tree can struggle due to soil, planting and management issues, along with several insect and disease pests. Learn how common management missteps can cause problems for spruce trees, current best management practices and how to identify and control common pest problems.
- Evergreen Selection & Placement for Nebraska - Evergreens play an important role in our landscapes. Some struggle due to weather extremes, pest issues and overplanting. Diversity in evergreen plantings is needed. Hear about new and tried and true conifers for Nebraska, where best to site them, and some management tips to increase success.
2022 Recorded Programs
Climate, Weather and Plants | Recording will be available June 2023
Speaker – Scot Risch, Air Force meteorologist, retired
First, we'll discuss the climates of North America and what climate means. We'll then transition into weather and look at various, interesting weather phenomena in the United States. Finally, we'll discuss how climate and weather effects plants and insects in the Midwest - specifically Nebraska and Iowa.
Pest Challenges in a Changing Climate | Recording will be available June 2023
Speaker – Kaitlin Chapman, Nebraska Extension Urban Entomologist
An overview of some of the most important plant pests in landscapes, how we can predict their development, and the added pest management challenges we face with a shifting climate.
2021 Recorded Programs
Weathering the Storms of Turfgrass Diseases | Recording
Turf Pests & Problems Quiz | Recording - Hone your skills!
Is Your Turf Another Animal’s “Home Turf”? | Recording
It’s Not Easy Being Green: Trees in a Changing Environment | Recording
Tree Pests & Problems Quiz | Recording - Hone your skills!
Countering Emerald Ash Borer (EAB): An In-depth Look at Common Systemic Insecticides | Recording, Handout
The ProHort Team includes:
- Sarah Browning, Lancaster County | 402-441-7180
- Elizabeth Exstrom, Hall County | 308-385-5088
- Kelly Feehan, Platte County | 402-563-4901
- John Fech, Douglas/Sarpy Counties | 402-444-7804
- David Lott, Lincoln-Logan-McPherson Counties | 308-532-2683
- Emily Stine, Panhandle Research & Extension Center | 308-632-1230
- Gary Stone, Scottsbluff County | 308-632-1480
- Nicole Stoner, Gage County | 402-223-1384