The 9th Annual

was held
Tuesday, February 26, 2008.

280 Attend Our Largest Organic Turf Show Ever!

The show, which is presented annually by the Neighborhood Network, is specifically geared towards professionals in the green industry.

The Organic Turf Trade Show features displays from vendors of 100% organic turf care products, as well as workshops on the latest in caring for turf without toxic chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

Almost 300 attended, including landscapers, horticulturists, golf course & parks employees, and garden centers from around the region, as well as school facilities managers, public officials, and non-profit groups, to see and learn about the state of the art in organic turf care.

Speakers:

• Paul Sachs, North Country Organics
• Vincent Palmer, NYS DEC
• Roger Feit, Treewise/Growing Tree Consulting
• Vincent Simeone, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
• James Sotillo, Treewise

Workshops included:

Legal Issues for Organic Landscapers
Vincent Palmer, Pesticide Control Inspector, NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, Stony Brook, NY. Mr Palmer reviewed New York State pesticide regulations, pointed out how exemptions for certain products work under the neighbor notice law, and how notice regulations apply to “organic” and “natural” products. The regulations applicable to the use and marketing of compost tea were discussed. He also explained NY State’s posting requirements for pesticide applications, and certification requirements.

Soil Biology as an Environmental Factor in Landscaping
James Sotillo, Treewise, East Hampton, NY explained the importance of balancing the ratio of soil organisms in order to optimize your turf care program. He described how managing soil biology can help build good soil structure, minimize weeds, and maintain healthy cycling of nutrients in the soil. James drew from direct experience in the field and years of research on compost and compost tea use.

Diagnosing Symptoms of (and Preventing) Weed & Pest Problems
Paul Sachs, North Country Organics, Bradford, VT, a noted soil health journalist and author of five books, including Managing Healthy Sports Fields, Handbook of Successful Ecological Lawn Care, and Ecological Golf Course Management, offered tips on identifying the root causes of weed and pest problems and how to treat them. He provided details of soil dynamics, including the inter-relation between soil chemistry, soil biology, and physical structure of the soil and how managing these will help prevent weeds.

Using Native Ornamentals
Vincent Simeone, Director, Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay, NY is the author of four books on gardening, and teaches at SUNY Farmingdale. He offered examples of woody native plantings that thrive well in our local climate and conditions, and explained the benefit of incorporating such species into landscapes as a means of reducing the need for pesticide use.

Good Business Practices and Marketing for Organic Landscape Professionals
Roger Feit, Treewise, East Hampton, NY shared his expertise in how to attract and maintain customers on an organic turf program. Roger is a sought-after speaker and regular columnist with the Landscaper Magazine.

DEC Credits for Professionals:

Trade Show Sponsors

Thanks to The Rauch Foundation The Nature Lyceum Canvas Magazine Landscaper Publications Whole Food Market of Jericho Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition

"During the spring and summer we frequently hold events for homeowners on how to maintain lawns without relying upon toxic pesticides, but this event is intended for people who work in the trade," explained Neal Lewis, Neighborhood Network executive director. "We hold this event in the off season because our goal is share the information and resources with people who manage school athletic fields, public parks, and landscapers."

The 2007 Trade Show floor and classroom.

This Year's Exhibitors:
All Pro Horticulture
Autrusa
Canvas Magazine
Cinque Associates
East Coast Organics
Fertrell
Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition
Jonathan Green
Landscaper Publications
L.I. Arboricultural Association
Long Island Compost
Long Island Horticultural Supply
Lighthouse Ford
Main Stream Organics
Neudorff USA
North Country Organics
Nutrients Plus
NY Department of Environmental Conservation
Organica, Inc.
Perdue AgriRecycle
Plant Health Alternatives
Plant Health Care, Inc
Poison Ivy Removal
Professional Tree Surgeons Supply
Pure Barnyard
Suffolk County Water Authority
Sweet Peet

Please contact Beth Fiteni at 631-963-5454 for more information about the Organic Turf Trade Show.