9:30 a.m. Welcome
Statewide Outreach & Education Program Manager Deb Heleba will introduce the conference and get us grounded for the day.
9:45 a.m. A Reading: Trees, Guardians of the Plant Nation
UVM Extension Master Gardener Bob Little Tree will read an article he wrote for the Branch Out Burlington! newsletter called, "Trees, Guardians of the Plant Nation".
10:00 a.m. Keynote: “Bringing Nature Home” to Vermont and Other Thoughts
Dr. Doug Tallamy will provide us with some inspiring and aspiring thoughts about bringing nature into our home landscapes.
11:15 a.m. Putting Dr. Tallamy's Words into Action in Vermont
A panel of gardening enthusiasts will share their efforts about how they've implemented the lessons learned from Dr. Tallamy to provide pollinator habitats and encourage biodiversity in our Vermont gardens. Panelists include Bethany Barry, Addison County Pollinator Pathways; Master Naturalist Kate Kruesi; and Extension Master Gardener Dottie Sundquist, co-chair of the Bennington County Chapter of Extension Master Gardeners.
12:15 p.m. Break
Leave your Zoom on while we take a break.
12:30 p.m. Optional "Chat and Chew" -- Exploring What Works & Sharing Tips
As an exciting new feature this year, we will hold small-group break-outs to provide space for Extension Master Gardeners and other volunteers for sharing. This is a time for you to informally share what works and what challenges you've faced to educate and engage with the public. As a community of volunteers, we will learn tips and techniques from one another, troubleshoot challenges, and have a fun time connecting! Choose from one of the following five areas for this optional activity.
• Demonstration gardens / Place-based learning labs
• Victory gardens / food security projects
• Gardening workshops/presentations for Adults
• Gardening workshops for Kids/School projects
• Ask a Volunteer--Tabling/Event displays
1:15 p.m. Report outs from "Chat & Chew"
We'll reconvene with highlights from our Chat & Chew session.
1:30 p.m. Keynote: "IPM Update: Looking Back & Looking Forward"
University of Vermont Extension Plant Pathologist Dr. Ann Hazelrigg will take a look back at the pests we faced this season and share what to expect for the 2023 growing season.
2:30 p.m. Final Words
We'll end the conference with some thoughts provided by Extension Master Gardener program staffer Cindy Heath.
3:00 p.m. Adjourn