Gold Sponsor Th Continued Training Conference

36th Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Continued Training ConferenceJim DavisJim Davis is the Multi-County Extension Director for the UF/IFAS Extension Sumter and Hernando Counties.Jim's area of specialization includes palm management, natural resources and integrated pest management.Zhanao DengKeynote SpeakerZhanao Deng is a professor and plant breeder at the UF/IFAS Department of Environmental Horticulture.He works at UF's Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, FL. He breeds caladium, gerbera,lantana, blackberry, etc. and has released several dozens of new cultivars.Marc FrankMarc is a lifelong plant enthusiast who completed Florida Master Gardener training in Alachua County in2002 and earned a M.S. in Horticultural Science from the University of Florida in 2005. He manages the UFHerbarium’s Plant Identification and Information Service, which serves Cooperative Extension personnel, UFfaculty, and other clients throughout the state of Florida.Gary KnoxKeynote SpeakerGary Knox is Professor of Environmental Horticulture and Nursery Crops Extension Specialist with UF/IFASat the North Florida Research and Education Center located outside Tallahassee. Dr. Knox evaluates newwoody plants for their usefulness in Florida landscapes. This work is in conjunction with a volunteer groupsupporting Gardens of the Big Bend, a botanical, teaching and evaluation garden at the Research Center.Gary's plant passions are magnolia, crapemyrtle, camellia, and others (so many species, so little time!).Claire LewisClaire Lewis is the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Statewide Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Coordinator.Prior to joining the FFL team, Claire earned a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from theUniversity of Florida and worked 12 years for private landscape architecture firms in Gainesville. Designprojects included large scale commercial, institutional, and residential home sites. Claire’s current jobresponsibilities include educational outreach to building professionals and UF/IFAS Extension Agentsacross the state to educate Floridians about sustainable landscape practices and encourage builders,developers, and HOAs to implement the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM principles in their communities inorder to preserve and protect Florida’s water and natural resources. Claire is a native Floridian and enjoysspending time outdoors with her husband and two children.12

October 20-23, 2019 Kissimmee, FLMartha MaddoxKeynote SpeakerMartha Maddox is the FCS Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County. She received her MSE in HomeEconomics Education from Harding University & her BSE in Vocational Agriculture from Arkansas StateUniversity. She has been an Extension Agent for 34 years, starting her career with UA Cooperative ExtensionService in Arkansas then UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County for 20 years. She believes in the ExtensionMission & working together as a TEAM to make a difference in an individual’s life and Making The BestBetter with programs we undertake!Rachel MallingerDr. Rachel Mallinger is an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida in the Department of Entomologyand Nematology. Her research and extension programs focus on pollinator conservation, especially nativewild bees, and crop pollination. She works with land managers, gardeners, and farmers to promote beefriendly landscapes and enhance plant pollination services. Outside of work, she loves to garden, hike, andexplore Florida's parks.Chris MarbleChris Marble received his Ph.D. from Auburn University and is an Assistant Professor in the EnvironmentalHorticulture Department at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka, FL. Hehas held various research and extension roles for the University of Tennessee and Syngenta, and beforecompleting his graduate studies, worked in the landscape industry for 7 years. Dr. Marble’s researchprogram focuses on the development of integrated weed management plans for ornamental plants inproduction nurseries, greenhouses, and landscapes focusing on more efficient use of herbicides and howcultural practices impact weed control. He travels extensively throughout Florida and beyond to work withnursery growers to address real-world weed management challenges.Jacob MarlinJacob Marlin is the founder and Executive Director of the Belize Foundation for Research andEnvironmental Education (BFREE), a US 501c3 non-profit that owns a privately protected area and biologicalresearch station in the Maya Mountains of southern Belize.Gene McAvoyGene McAvoy is Vegetable Extension Agent IV Emeritus and Associate Director for Stakeholder Relationsat the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center. He has over 22 years’ experience helpingfarmers implement Best Management Practices to help improve water quality.13

36th Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Continued Training ConferenceBrooke MoffisBrooke Moffis is the Residential Horticulture Agent with UF/IFAS Extension in Lake County. She currentlymanages the UF/IFAS Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer Program and the Discovery Gardens locatedin Tavares. She previously worked as the Urban Horticulture Agent in Sumter County and in hydroponicsat the Land Pavilion at EPCOT. She earned her Bachelor’s in Horticulture from Tennessee Tech and herMaster’s in Entomology from the University of Florida. Planting flowers with her Zen-like grandfatherintroduced her to a passion for creatures both great and small.Faith OiDr. Faith Oi is the Director of Pest Management University, an academy that provides state-of-the-arteducation and hands-on training for the industry. As a faculty member in the Entomology and NematologyDept at the University of Florida, she works at a “grassroots-level” doing applied research to solve industryproblems. Her latest efforts also involve working with county faculty to direct market IPM to residentsthrough existing programs. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Florida; M.S. and B.A. degreesfrom the University of Hawai’i, Mānoa.Nick PlaceKeynote SpeakerDr. Nick T. Place was named Dean and Director of UF/IFAS Extension in September 2012. He is a Professorin the Agricultural Education and Communication Department at the UF College of Agriculture and LifeSciences (CALS). He oversees the Florida Cooperative Extension service found in 67 counties, 13 Researchand Education Centers, 15 special Institutes and programs and many departments across the SunshineState. From 2007 through 2012, Dr. Place served as the Associate Dean and Director of the University ofMaryland Extension.Sally ScaleraSally Scalera graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture. Withdegree in hand she left Iowa to work for a mouse! She started off in Florida working at Walt Disney Worldat EPCOT Center in landscaping, then to the Land Pavilion at EPCOT and then to the Disney Tree Farm andNursery. In 1992 Sally started working on her Master’s degree at UCF, graduating in 1995, and in January1993 she joined the UF/IFAS Extension in Brevard County where she is the Urban Horticulture Agent andMaster Gardener coordinator.Jason SmithJason currently serves as Associate Professor & State Forest Health Extension Specialist in the School ofForest Resources and Conservation at the University of Florida. His appointment is split between research,teaching and extension and he serves on the graduate faculties of the School of Forest Resources andConservation and Department of Plant Pathology and is a member of the UF Emerging Pathogens Instituteas well as the Interdisciplinary Doctor of Plant Medicine Program. The primary focus of his team’s researchhas been to provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and biology of interactionsbetween tree hosts, fungal pathogens, their vectors and the environment to reduce the impact of diseaseon trees in the context of global change. Jason serves on the tree advisory board for the City of Gainesvilleand has expertise in tree selection and diversity for the southeast.14

October 20-23, 2019 Kissimmee, FLJessica SullivanJessica Sullivan has been teaching topics in sustainable horticulture and agriculture with the UF/IFASExtension in Osceola County for eighteen years. She has a B.S. in Horticultural Therapy and an M.S. in PestManagement. She enjoys gardening, beekeeping, and exploring Florida’s amazing natural lands.Laurie TrenholmDr. Trenholm received her BS and MS in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida and herPh.D. in Crop Science from the University of Georgia. She has been in the position of Urban Turfgrass BMPspecialist since 1999. She was active in the development of the Green Industry BMPs beginning in 2000and has taught environmental turfgrass management to Master Gardener, commercial and homeowneraudiences since that time. She led the state-wide FDEP nutrient leaching study through 2014.Laura Elena ValenciaLaura E. Valencia has served as the 4-H Youth Development Agent in Lake/Osceola County Extension since2012. Ms. Valencia specializes in developing and implementing new, innovative cultural programming foryouth of diverse audiences to increase their participation in the 4-H Program. She is recognized for her workon Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. For the past seven years, she has been involved on DEI initiatives at thenational, regional, state and university level. Some of the organizations she is involved with include: NationalDiversity Council, NAE4-HA Diversity Taskforce, and the National 4-H Latino Advisory Council. At theRegional level, SERA-37, Latinos in the New South. At the state level with FAE4-HA Diversity Committee and4-H Diversity/Grow/Quality Action Team and most recently with UF/IFAS Diversity & Inclusion Committee.Tom WichmanTom is a self-proclaimed plant nerd who has been in the horticultural industry for 45 years. Tom is currentlythe statewide coordinator for the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Green Industries Best ManagementPractices Program. This program teaches Green Industry professionals environmentally safe landscapingpractices that help conserve and protect Florida’s ground and surface waters and natural resources. Since2006 the program has educated more than 60,000 individuals statewide. When he is not working, Tomworks in the landscape with his wife Becky. Tom, Becky and his daughter Megan are big Gator fans andenjoy following many different Gator sports throughout the year.Hannah WootenHannah Wooten, UF/IFAS Extension Agent of Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems in Seminole County,provides education promoting agricultural awareness through farm tours, environmental stewardshipthrough integrated pest management training, and education in urban farming techniques with anemphasis on hydroponics. Through strategic scientific communication, Hannah aims to cultivate a newgeneration of urban farmers in a vibrant local food system.JK YarboroughJK is a Livestock and Natural Resources Agent for Orange and Seminole Counties.15

36th Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Continued Training ConferenceDetailed AgendaSundayOctober 20, 201912:30pm - 5:00pmOptional Pre-Conference Field Trips4:30pm - 6:30pmPre-Conference Registration OpenEarly Silent Auction Donation Check-InMondayOctober 21, 20196:30am - 9:30amHotel Breakfast for In-House Guests7:00am - 4:30pmRegistration Open & Silent Auction Donation Check-In8:00am - 8:15amWelcome and Announcements [Palms Ballroom]Wendy Wilber, Florida Statewide Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator, UF/IFAS8:15am - 9:00amOpening General Session [Palms Ballroom]Brie Arthur, The Foodscape RevolutionModerator: Wendy WilberConcurrent Sessions9:15am - 10:15amGeneralFocusedFFLLocationMagnolia AMagnolia BMagnolia CModeratorBarbara EdmundsKate RotindoWhitney ElmoreMarc FrankUnderstanding Plant ToxicitySally ScaleraUnderstanding the UnsungHeroes: Soil MicrobesLaurie TrenholmImagine You’re a Lowly TurfgrassPlant10:15am - 10:45amRefreshment Break [Palms Ballroom Foyer]10:15am - 5:00pmUF/IFAS Extension Bookstore Open [Cypress 1]Concurrent Sessions10:45am - 11:45amGeneralFocusedFFLLocationMagnolia AMagnolia BMagnolia CModeratorTom BeckerEva PabonClaire LewisStephen BrownFabulous Flowering Shrubs12:00pm - 1:45pm16Jessica SullivanGardening for All: Tips and Toolsfor Easier GardeningBrooke MoffisLandscapes of the FutureLunch and Keynote Speaker 12:00pm - 1:00pm [Palms Ballroom]Zhanao Deng, New UF Plant Breeding IntroductionsService Awards 1:00pm - 1:45pmModerator: Lisa Sanderson

October 20-23, 2019 Kissimmee, FLMondayOctober 21, 2019 (continued)Concurrent Sessions2:00pm - 3:00pmGeneralFocusedFFLLocationMagnolia AMagnolia BMagnolia CModeratorPat WilliamsSally ScaleraKaydie McCormickLaura ValenciaIncreasing Diversity toStrengthen Your MasterGardener’s ProgramBrian BahderWhat’s Wrong with My Palms?Palm DiseasesHannah WootenHydroponics for Your Home andCommunity GardenRefreshment Break [Palms Ballroom Foyer]Silent Auction Opens [Palms EFG]3:00pm - 3:30pmConcurrent Sessions3:30pm - 4:30pmGeneralFocusedFFLLocationMagnolia AMagnolia BMagnolia CModeratorHolly BatesTaylor ClemTom WichmanChris MarbleWeeds and How to PreventThemBrie ArthurGrowing Heirloom Tomatoes4:30pm - 6:00pmRobert BowdenThink Outside the Box (Store):Different Trees and Plants forYour Florida LandscapeWelcome Social [Palms Ballroom Foyer]Dinner on OwnTuesdayOctober 22, 20196:30am - 9:30amHotel Breakfast for In-House Guests7:00am - 5:00pmRegistration OpenUF/IFAS Extension Bookstore Open [Cypress 1]7:00am - 4:30pmSilent Auction Open [Palms EFG]8:45am - 9:45amGeneral Session [Palms Ballroom]Gene McAvoy, A Historical Perspective of Florida Agriculture and Look at Water Management in FloridaModerator: Wendy Wilber9:45am - 10:15amRefreshment Break [Palms Ballroom Foyer]Concurrent Sessions10:15am - 11:15amGeneralFocusedFFLLocationMagnolia AMagnolia BMagnolia CModeratorBrooke MoffisMark TancigMary SalinasFaith OiThe Importance of MasterGardeners to Indoor IntegratedPest Management (IPM)11:30am - 1:15pmZachary BrymThe Agroecology Framework inAction: Bringing Industrial Hempto FloridaRachel MallingerSupporting Native Bees in YourGardenLunch and Industry Updates from Sponsor Representatives [Palms Ballroom]Awards of ExcellenceModerator: Anne Yasalonis17

36th Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Continued Training ConferenceTuesdayOctober 22, 2019 (continued)Concurrent Sessions1:30pm - 2:30pmGeneralFocusedFFLLocationMagnolia AMagnolia BMagnolia CModeratorKate O’NeillAlyssa VinsonNickie MunroeJason SmithNew Cool Trees and TreeDiseasesJim DavisPSI: Plant Scene InvestigationFlorida-Friendly Landscaping Resource Update2:30pm - 3:00pmRefreshment Break [Palms Ballroom Foyer]Last Call for Silent Auction Bids [Palms EFG]3:00pm - 4:00pmFun WorkshopsJacob Marlin and Heather Barrett, Sustainable Chocolate - from Gene to Bar [Palms Ballroom]Moderators: Kate Rotindo and Kate O’NeillJK Yarborough and Amy Vu, Florida’s Honeys [Magnolia A]Moderators: Mark Tancig and Kaydie McCormickTerra Freeman and Wendy Wilber, Amalfi Lemons and Limoncello [Magnolia B]Martha Maddox, Herbs in the Kitchen! “Cooking with Herbs” [Magnolia C]Moderators: Taylor Clem and Nickie Munroe4:00pm - 5:30pmSilent Auction Checkout [Palms EFG]4:00pm - 6:00pm4-H Plant ID and Judging Contest [Cypress 2-4]Dinner on OwnWednesdayOctober 23, 20196:30am - 9:30amHotel Breakfast for In-House Guests8:00am - 11:00amRegistration OpenUF/IFAS Extension Bookstore Open [Cypress 1]8:30am - 9:30amKeynote Presentation [Palms Ballroom]Nick Place, Living the Values of UF/IFAS ExtensionModerator: Brooke Moffis9:30am - 10:30amClosing Keynote Presentation [Palms Ballroom]Gary Knox, Exciting New Magnolias for Florida! Old Favorites, Native Treasures and a World ofNew DiscoveriesModerator: Taylor Clem10:30am - 11:30amClosing Remarks - Wendy WilberConference Concludes18

October 20-23, 2019 Kissimmee, FLPresentation SummariesListed alphabetically by presenter's last name.19

October 20-23, 2019 Kissimmee, FLMonday, October 21, 2019 8:15am-9:00am Opening Keynote PresentationThe Foodscape RevolutionBrie Arthur, International Speaker and Best-Selling AuthorBrie has fine-tuned her signature design technique of Foodscaping, a sustainable landscape practice thatembraces beauty and bounty. Aiming to change the way landscapes are designed and managed, Brieencourages everyone to "think outside of the box." Learn how pairing edibles in a traditional ornamentallandscape increases biodiversity and adds purpose to everyday spaces. The best edible and ornamentalplant combinations for Florida gardeners are featured to inspire attendees to create purposefullandscapes that engage people of all ages! Easy strategies are explained, including how to plant a bededge to deter moles and voles. This is a fast paced, informative presentation that leaves attendeesinspired and ready to foodscape!Monday, October 21, 2019 3:30pm-4:30pmGrowing Heirloom TomatoesBrie Arthur, International Speaker and Best-Selling AuthorHeirloom tomatoes are the ultimate taste of summer; they are also a challenge to grow in hot climates!Brie shares expert tips for a successful growing season. In depth variety selection and cultural informationare shared including a few creative solutions for combating with soil borne diseases and root knotnematodes. The best growing methods, fertilizers and staking strategies are discussed. Learn to be anexpert from all of Brie's experiences (aka mistakes!) and grow like a pro this year!Monday, October 21, 2019 2:00pm-3:00pmWhat’s Wrong with My Palms? Palm DiseasesBrian Bahder, Assistant Professor, Entomology and Nematology Dept, UF/I

Robert Bowden has been the Director of Leu Botanical Gardens for twenty-five years and earlier served as the Director of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the Director of Horticulture of the Missouri Botanical Garden in St Louis, Missouri. He has a BS from Florida A&M University in Horticulture and an MBA from the University of Michigan.