North Jersey Ornamental Horticulture Symposium
January 6-8, 2026 (Snow Date: Friday, January 9, 2026)
For the 65th year, a team of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources faculty and staff sponsor the North Jersey Ornamental Horticulture Symposium at the County College of Morris.
These educational programs are aimed at professionals in the green industry and feature speakers who are leading experts from Cooperative Extension, state government and private industry.
The Symposium has three sessions: Turf Day, Tree Day, and Landscape Day. Please register for each session you would like to attend. NJ Pesticide Applicator recertification credits are offered for each session of the program.
ISA, NJLTE and NJUCF credits are offered for the Tree Day and Landscape Day programs.
Two ProFACT Fertilizer Applicator recertification units are offered for the Turf Day program.
The team of Agriculture and Natural Resource faculty and staff who put the three-day program together are:
- Jean Epiphan, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County
- Peter Nitzsche, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County
- Julia Piermatteo, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Passaic County
- Amy Rowe, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex and Passaic Counties
- Claudia Urdanivia, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex and Hudson Counties
Registration
Registration Fees
$75 per day by December 13 includes continental breakfast and lunch
$90 per day after December 13 includes continental breakfast (NO LUNCH)
How to Register
Online Registration Deadline: Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Walk-in registration available on the day of the program for $90.00 per day, continental breakfast provided, but NO LUNCH. Only checks made payable to: 'Rutgers, the State University' or cash will be accepted for walk-in registration.
To register for the symposium, click on the links below:
Register for Turf Day Register for Tree Day Register for Landscape Day
After registering you will receive a confirmation email.
Schedule
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Program Chair: Amy Rowe, County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex and Passaic Counties
Time Event 9–10 a.m. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Turfgrass on New Jersey School Grounds
Brad Park, Laboratory Researcher, Rutgers Sport Turf Research and Education
All schools and day care centers in NJ are required to follow state School Integrated Pest Management regulations in both indoor and outdoor settings. Depending on the school/day care center, responsibility for grounds maintenance may be in-house or contracted to outside professional turf and landscape professionals, licensed in category 13. This presentation defines Integrated Pest Management (IPM), describes turf cultural practices to prevent weed, insect and disease problems, monitoring and management techniques that meet the requirements of the School IPM regulations. All of the IPM practices can be applied to turf management on public, commercial and residential properties.10–11 a.m. Understanding Soil Test Recommendations
Dr. James Murphy, Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Management, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Turf growing in healthy soils is less susceptible to insect and disease problems. Using the services of a professional soil testing laboratory provides turf professionals with information on the current status of the soil, such as pH and nutrient levels and recommendations for amending the soil for optimum turf growth, without over applying fertilizers. This lecture will describe how to take a soil sample and give examples of how to interpret soil test results and recommendations based on reports from the Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory.11 a.m. – 12 p.m. NJDEP Pesticide Regulations and Updates
Spencer Kerkhof, Environmental Specialist, NJDEP Pesticide Compliance and Enforcement
Regulations can be lengthy and confusing. Inspector Spencer Kerkhof speaks to cut through the confusion and provide clarity on the most misunderstood pesticide compliance issues. Pesticide and ProFACT license requirements for using turf fertilizer products that contain herbicide ingredients will be explained. Learn something new about compliance, notifications, turf postings, required documentation and storage areas whether it’s your 5th or 15th year as an applicator.12 – 1:15 p.m. LUNCH BREAK 1:15 –2:15 p.m. Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Non-Grub Turf Insects
Dr. Albrecht Koppenhöfer, Extension Specialist in Turf Entomology, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
This one-hour lecture will describe the life cycle of chinch bugs, billbugs, sod webworms, cutworms, armyworms, crane flies and turf damage they cause. Integrated pest management strategies for managing each insect will be explained. The presentation will also include some information about the pros and cons of organic lawn care for insect management.2:15 –3:15 p.m. Understanding and Managing Classic and Emerging Root Diseases in Cool Season Turfgrass
Chase Bauberger, Lab Technician , Rutgers University Turfgrass Pathology Program
This one-hour presentation will talk about the biology and management of ectotrophic root-infecting (ERI) fungi that cause devastating diseases such as summer patch and take-all patch in cool-season turfgrasses. Attendees will learn about the latest research on a novel but widespread ERI pathogen in the Northeast. By understanding the biology of ERI fungi, attendees will have a better idea on how to culturally and chemically control these root diseases.3:15 p.m. Program Evaluation and NJDEP Pesticide Credits You must be present for the entire program to be eligible for NJDEP Pesticide Credits and ProFACT credits.
NJDEP Credits Awarded Certification Area # of Units Core Basic Safety and Handling 02 3B Turf 07 6B Right-of-Way 02 8C Campground 07 10 Demonstration & Research 06 13 IPM in Schools 02 ProFact credits awarded: 2 -
Program Chair: Jean Epiphan, County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County
Program Co-Chair: Claudia Urdanivia, County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex and Hudson CountiesTime Event 9–11 a.m. Landscape Diagnostics - It's Not ALL About Bugs!!
Wayne Cahilly, Owner/Operator of Cahilly’s Horticultural Services
Diagnosing trouble with trees and shrubs (horticultural forensics) begins with understanding that it begins with roots and soil. The roots are the engines that drive the plant, and their fuel comes primarily from the soil. Root stress is a primary cause of landscapes that wobble rather than run smoothly and understanding how to diagnose and alleviate stress is critical to landscape management and controlling the impact of insects and disease. This session will look at the relationship between healthy soil, healthy roots, and successful landscape trees and shrubs as part of IPM through the use of real-world examples gathered over forty years of consulting.10–11 a.m. For Foliage's Sake
Mark Ware, Board Certified Master Arborist, Rainbow Ecoscience
The roles of leaves in the life of a tree cannot be understated but can easily be underestimated. We will discuss the role leaves play, the effects of damaged and lost leaf tissue on trees overall health, and how to protect foliage from a variety of different fungal and arthropod pests.11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Engravers and Fungus Farming Beetles in the Urban Forest!
Richard Buckley, Director of Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory
This lecture will focus on climate change and its impact on the common engraver and ambrosia beetles found in New Jersey nurseries and landscapes. Each insect will be profiled to include insect identification, biology and ecology, symptom diagnosis, scouting and monitoring techniques, and current concepts in integrated control that includes all cultural, biological, and chemical management strategies.12 – 1:15 p.m. LUNCH BREAK 1:15–2:15 p.m. Compliance and Enforcement
Spencer Kerkhof, Environmental Specialist, Environmental Specialist, NJDEP Pesticide
Tree care specific regulations, resources, and recommendations for pesticide use. Topics covered will include pesticide history, neonicotinoid ban, agricultural and non-agricultural tree care, record keeping, inspections, IPM, and safety equipment.2:15–3:15 p.m. Evergreens Got You Down? Find Out What Makes Them Turn Brown
Sabrina Tirpak, Laboratory Researcher, Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory
This lecture will spruce up your knowledge of diseases and insect pests that affect ornamental evergreens in the landscape. Each organism will be profiled to include biology and life cycle, the conditions leading to outbreaks, diagnostic tools, and integrated control strategies that include useful cultural, biological, and chemical management techniques.315 p.m. Program Evaluation and NJDEP Pesticide Credits You must be present for the entire program to be eligible for NJDEP Pesticide Credits and ProFACT credits.
NJDEP Credits Awarded Certification Area # of Units Core Basic Safety and Handling 02 2 Forest 02 3A Ornamentals 08 6B Right-of-Way 02 8C Campground 04 LTE/LTCO Credits Awarded: 5 units NJUCF Credits Awarded: 5 units ISA credits: Certified Arborist 5 units, BCMA Practice 2 units, and Management 3 units -
Program Chair: Julia Piermatteo, Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Passaic County
Time Event 9–10 a.m. Compliance and Enforcement
Spencer Kerkhof, Environmental Specialist, Environmental Specialist, NJDEP Pesticide
The NJDEP covers important topics for Compliance, including white flag requirements, Consumer Information Notice distribution, record keeping, licensing and vehicle requirements, and information regarding the Insect Resilience Action Committee which dictates switch modes of action to eradicate a pest problem.10–11 a.m. Managing Common and Emerging Boxwood Pests and Diseases
Dr. Tim Waller, County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cumberland County
Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) is a rapidly spreading invasive pest that has been reported in MD, VA, DE, PA, MA, CT, NY, OH, MI, TN, and SC that is capable of severely disrupting Boxwood (Buxus spp.) maintenance, sale, and transport in and around New Jersey, if not properly prepared for. The presentation will focus on the pest’s lifecycle, symptoms to be aware of, who to contact in the case of potential introductions (Rutgers, NJDA, APHIS), and pesticide approaches if the pest is observed. Other common boxwood pests and diseases will be discussed through pest life cycles, forecasting models, diagnostic symptomology, diagnostic lab sample submission timing, and understanding pesticide options including the actionable disease - Calonectria spp. (Boxwood blight).11 a.m. – 12 p.m. 2025 Ugly Landscape Year in Review: The Diagnosticians Point of View
Richard Buckley, Director, Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory
2025 was a challenging year for all of us on many levels. Above average temperatures and frequent rain drove plant problems in the landscape and urban forest. This lecture reviews some of the most common problems submitted to the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Lab in 2025 and introduces us to a couple new things we see coming around the corner in 2026.12–1:15 p.m. LUNCH BREAK 1:15–2:15 p.m. Integrated Vegetation Management for Invasives
Michele Bakacs, County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex and Union Counties
Invasive species are defined as species that are non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm. The presentation will focus on emerging invasive plants that are found along rights-of-way spreading into New Jersey’s natural areas including forest ecosystems. Due to heavy deer pressure and habitat fragmentation, these invasives are outcompeting native plant populations, and spreading quickly throughout New Jersey. Some of these invasive plants are introduced through ornamental plantings. We will review both mechanical management techniques and herbicide applications and timing for various invasive plant growth forms. Integrated vegetation management, understanding plant growth form, and developing a plant management calendar can help mitigate the spread of invasive plants, while limiting the use of herbicides.2:15–3:15 p.m. Rutgers Ornamental Shrub Field Trials
William Errickson, County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County
Native and low input shrubs have seen an increased demand in the landscape in recent years. However, data on the performance of different species and cultivars specific to New Jersey is still limited. This presentation will provide an update on the woody shrub trials that are being conducted by Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Species and cultivars of shrubs are being evaluated for their suitability in the ornamental landscape with data collected on stress tolerance, insect and disease issues, bloom times, and fall color. A discussion on using an integrated approach to monitor and control common insect and disease problems will also be included.315 p.m. Program Evaluation and NJDEP Pesticide Credits You must be present for the entire program to be eligible for NJDEP Pesticide Credits and ProFACT credits.
NJDEP Credits Awarded Certification Area # of Units Core Basic Safety and Handling 02 3A Ornamentals 09 3B Turf 03 8C Campground 06 9 Regulatory 02 10 Demonstration & Research 06 UCF Credits 5 units ISA Credits 4 units LTE/LTCO Credits 5 units
Important Information
NJDEP Pesticide Recertification Credits
- You must provide identification and your NJDEP Pesticide License number.
- Attendees must participate throughout the entire session. Individuals are not eligible for credits if they arrive after the start of the first training topic or leave before the end of the last topic.
Weather Cancellation
In the event of a weather-related cancellation, please hold January 9 as the snow date.
Refund Policy
No refunds if the event occurs as currently scheduled, including the use of the snow date.
Contact
For questions about the program or assistance with registration contact: Cynthia Triolo at ctriolo@co.morris.nj.us or 973-285-8306.