Events

Breakout B4: Innovations in Pollinator Protection: A Path Forward [Garett Slater]

This presentation explores the pressing challenges facing pollinators, including habitat loss, pests and diseases, pesticide exposure, and climate change. This presentation will highlight cutting-edge research, technological advancements, and community-driven initiatives that are shaping the future of pollinator conservation. From sustainable land management practices to genetic breakthroughs and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders, Garret will showcase innovative…
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Breakout B5: Getting to Know Gen Z Volunteers: Strategies for Recruitment, Communication and Recognition [Dr. Esther McGinnis, Emily How, Rachelle Vettern]

In order for Extension Master Gardener programs to grow, they must recruit, embrace, and work side-by-side with Gen Z volunteers. However, generational gaps create a sense of disconnect, as each generation grew up with different ways of thinking, communicating, and understanding the world. In this interactive and bucket filling presentation, Emily will identify Gen Z…
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Breakout B6: Plants, Nature, and Health [Dr. Charlie Hall]

A new initiative at Texas A&M University is entitled Plant, Nature and Health. This session describes the research and outreach programs that are currently underway that highlight the benefits of plants and green spaces. Dr. Charlie Hall grew up in the industry on a nursery in Western North Carolina. Although an economist by training, he…
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Breakout C1: Pecans: How to Grow and Why to Eat [Dr. Larry Stein]

Discover the secrets to successfully growing pecans and the many reasons to enjoy them in your diet. This session will cover essential tips for cultivating healthy pecan trees, from site selection to maintenance and harvesting. Learn about the nutritional benefits of pecans, their role in a healthy lifestyle, and delicious ways to incorporate them into…
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Breakout C2: Meetings with Remarkable Seeds – and the Amazing People who Nurture Them [Adam Alexander]

Across the world, chefs, farmers, plant scientists and everyday growers are doing something extraordinary: creating new generations of fruit, vegetables and cereals that will flourish locally, taste delicious, increase diversity and contribute to a sustainable and robust food future. In this illustrated talk, Mr. Alexander will don his seed-detective homburg to meet 21st century seed…
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Breakout C4: Coping with Climate Change in Plant Specifications for Built Environments [Dr. Mike Arnold]

Challenges associated with increased fluctuations in global climate, enhanced severity of weather events, and exacerbated urban heat island effects have created serious issues for plant specifications in modern landscape designs. Designs for these built environments will require increasing attention to plant specifications of taxa and maintenance regimes on the site that anticipate future needs. Structural…
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Breakout C5: Foodscape Fusion: Pioneering a New Gardening Era [Brie Arthur]

Gardening visionary Brie Arthur reveals a world where plants are not just beautiful, but also functional problem solvers. In this captivating program, she will show you how everyone has the power to make a positive impact through thoughtful planting. Drawing from the wisdom within her books, she will guide you through the art of ingenious…
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Breakout C6: An Engineer’s Approach to Houseplant Care [Darryl Cheng]

If tradiitonal houseplant advice is followed, the caregiver will be left with disappointment because the plant is no longer "perfect". Darryl's approach breaks down the barriers to true, long-lasting enjoyment of houseplants - when a person understands how plants work, she/he can gain a deeper appreciation for the plant's character and more acceptance of how…
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Breakout D1: How to Start New Programs in South Korea [Eun Sook Noh]

This session will cover the Master Gardener programs started by Ms. Noh in Korea (the Benz School of Floral Design and Junior Master Gardeners), why she initiated the programs, how they began and are currently run, and how they have helped Korean florists. Ms. Noh graduated from Ewha Women’s University in Korea (BA) in 1976…
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Breakout D1: Bee On It! How Pollinator Pathways are Connecting Landscapes and People [Louise Washer]

With a mission to encourage planting natives, avoiding pesticides, and rethinking lawn culture, the Pollinator Pathway offers individuals and communities the tools to organize and take action locally to reconnect fragmented landscapes. Learn how to join this thriving network which has as its backbone master gardeners and those of us willing to get our hands…
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