What is required to maintain my professional cerification?

In the past it was required to attend one MLNA sponsored educational function. The Nuts & Bolts and Field Day were the only approved events and were equivelent to 10 CEU's each. MLNA is developing an expanded and professional approach to this important aspect of education requiring attendance of one MLNA main event plus 5 CEU/ hours from other alternate approved venues. Since the Field Day event was not held MLNA will accept alternate approved events. We encourage participation in other educational events/ clinics/ workshop provided by MLNA or other approved sources. We wish to promote all certified professionals and will deal with revision and this transistion year on a case by case basis. PLease contact the MLNA office to verify your MLNA contact information, and upodate your certification status. We can be reachced at 636-939-9079.
The new name for the Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association's certification program is Missouri Certified Green Industry Stars.

Responses & Comments from Participants at Missouri Botanical Garden’s Nursery Day

Here are just a few comments shared about annual Professional Industry Event Nursery Day August 16th 2007 at Missouri Botanical Garden: (MLNA has partnered with Powell Gardens for a similar professional industry event in 2008)
• "Missouri Botanical Garden” is a wonderful resource for our industry” Gary Hinegardner, President of the LNAGSL.
• "This was a first for the Garden" said Steve Cline. Missouri Botanical Garden's Kemper Center's Manager openned a bed area for Ball represntative for the challenge. Derek Schroff, along with Ball Horticulture Guests proved a point as they actually did a planting. Using Ball's new ellepot system, "They proved it is cost effective and environmetally a better alternative as a installation method. It is exciting to see the Garden involved. We had the best in the business on both teams, but what I saw was more than a time test- I saw our industry finding opportunities to be great environmental stewards! Good for Us!" MaryAnn Fink /MLNA Coordinator
• "I appreciate MLNA’s resources and connections and interest in supporting my business" Scott Wagner of Yellowwood Farms. (Scott was looking for a particular plant source). If you have product and plant material available, fill out our resource form. We help connect MLNA members to services and product providers.
• “I am loo0king for MOONGLOW Sweet Bay Magnolia” (First new introduction with POM recognition for 2008 and host plant for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail” ) said Tom Krauska (Tom Terrific)”I am pleased that MLNA is committed to environmental stewardship” (MLNA helped make Tom’s connection with Pea Ridge Forest/ MOONGLOW supplier and Earl Cully breeder. MLNA supports member efforts and is supporting Tom’s habitat efforts with Lindbergh School District.
• “How is the sign up for my Pruning Workshop Sept 10th going? “ Bill Spradley (Very Good Bill- MLNA thanks you for taking the time to sharpen member’s pruning skills. To sign up fill out the on line form or call 636-939-9079)
• “It is good that the industry will have a stronger relationship with the POM program” Mark Luchtefeld/ IGIA Representative (It was announced that MLNA and IGIA accepted offer of partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden, Powell Gardens and Mizzou Botanic Gardens with the Plants of Merit program.)
• “I am excited about winning the Bailey’s Cool Trees tee shirt at MLNA’s member meeting- I never win anything!” Becky Edwards/ Webster Grove Horticulturist.

Missouri Landscape Certification Changes

Attention all Missouri Certified Plant Pros:

The new name for the Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association's certification program is Missouri Certified Green Industry Stars.

The revised program will consist of 5 modules, 4 horticulture categories and one business category. Each will be able to stand alone or be combined for a total of 5 Stars.
The Star designation will define the category in which it was issued for example Missouri Certified Green Industry Annual Star or for the business category, Missouri Certified Green Industry Business Star.
The business "star" is earned by successfully completing PLANET’s Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) program. This designation allows Missouri to be one of the first states to offer a State certification recognized at the national level.
A full certification with all 5 modules would be a Missouri Certified Green Industry Five Star Professional. Testing for the Business Module of the certification is already in place and is offered at the Western through PLANET’s program.
Advanced Level Plant Pros are encouraged to attend upcoming Review Clinics to be scheduled soon!

Membership Period for 2007-2008

Just for your information...Our membership year begins October 1st 2007 and ends September 30th 2008. If you do not know the status of your MLNA membership, please contact MLNA Office at maryannfink@mlna.org or call 636-939-9079. Thank you for your support!

Welcome New Board Member Kim Lovelace Young

Welcome to the Mssouri Landscape & Nursey Board of Directors,Kim! We believe your participation as our At-Large Director will be instrumental in the success of this organization. You will be a great asset to MLNA and we thank you in advance for your commitment of time to this worthy endeavor. Regards, J. Scott Rood/MLNA President

Congratulations Nick Guntli of Hazelwood, MO!

Congratulations Nick Guntli of Hazelwood, MO.for recieving the John L. Masek Ornamental Horticulture Scholarship-visit communication committee section for details.

Project Releaf for Fall 2007 is underway!

Reduced-cost trees are offered for sale each spring and fall for planting on public or not-for-profit property in Missouri and surrounding communities.
Ideal for park and municipal plantings, these trees are balled and burlapped, 5-10’ tall depending on the species, and approximately 1.25” in caliper. Many different species are available each season, including many Missouri natives. All order must be submitted by September 21st, with pickups tentatively scheduled for November 14.
For more information please contact them at 314/533-5323, toll-free at 1-888-473-5323, or info@moreleaf.org.

Thank you to Bailey Nursery Representative Anne McKinstry

Thank you Anne for her presentation overview of late season performers.

Bailey Nursery has launched a “Trees are Cool!” campaign which fit in perfect with our gathering of “twigheads.” Becky Edward, Horticulturist from City of Webster Grove won the Bailey Nurseries door prize at our MLNA’s Member Education Meeting. Becky please contacts the MLNA office 636-939-9079 for your gift!

More About the "Trees Are Cool!" Program:

One tree can make a difference. A billion can help save the planet.You hear about the effects of global warming everyday, but can you really do anything to help? Now you can, by planting and pledging your tree to the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign.

Garden Centers click here to see the full program

Click here to Pledge your Tree

"We are excited to be an official partner of the United Nations for this globally important campaign" Says Pat Bailey, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bailey Nurseries. To read more about this cause visit: www.unep.org/billiontreecampaign

Responses & Comments from Participants at the MLNA Open House

Here are just a few comments shared about Pea Ridge Forest’s Open House/ MLNA Member Education/Meeting on July 24, 2007:

• "Pea Ridge Forest Reputation for Education, Entertainment and Good Food Still Good!"
• "As always Pea Ridge Forest lived up to its Open House reputation for education, entertainment and good food."
• “Always more than a walk around trees. I have done that before and not gotten any real information-here I learn from everybody around me”
• “I learn a lot and I like the fact they (PRF) shares their good experiences and bad”
• “What a perfect day”
• “I do want to be a MLNA member”

We are proud to BRAG about...

American Test Center

MLNA member Bill Spradley of Trees Forest and Landscape says he highly recommends this business. “They care as much about my business and ours safety as I do- and that is good business”

Mike Sestric also from Tress Forest and Landscape agreed. “You can’t really put a dollar amount on safety. Their service is valuable to us in many ways.” He also commented about the performance report. “Its clear- you know what has to be done first”

For more information visit: atc.com

American Test Center · 3540 Hoffman Road E. · St. Paul, MN 551101-800-451-9087 · FAX (651) 770-5268 · sales@atctest.com

Notes & Discussions from MLNA Open House

One of the most frequent comments was about MLNA’s recent restructuring and staff addition of coordinator MaryAnn Fink. "I am so pleased to see MLNA make these changes- good job!," says Wayne Lovelace of Forest Keeling Nursery.

• There was some comment about the possibility of evening events since not all employers see the benefit of off site training.
• MLNA asks all members to suggest businesses that might benefit from knowing more about MLNA.
• And there were a few mentions about the blending of the Open House with the MLNA member education program. It was suggested we have more specific time frame set for those could only attend a partial day of activities. We did coordinate with those who were experiencing those issues, switched the presentation time for that day, provided contact information and will post a summary of Ann McKinstry and Susan Ehlenbeck’s programs for those who missed a portion of the event.
• Committees have been formed and we will post information and request member participation. See how you can help!
• We wish to thank the Strategic Planning Committee members: Judy Allmon , Frank Benzing, Kim Young Lovelace and John Marino. Certification Core Committee Chris Starbuck and Paul Roberts and its advisors Monica Barker, MaryAnn Fink, Susan Mintun and Dianne O’Connell. Tour and Event Committee Co-Chairs Bill Spradley and Becky Homan and Performance Trial Committee Chair; Susan Mintun.

Tree Clinic for MLNA Members on Sept. 10th at Pea Ridge Forest

REGISTRATION WILL BE REQUIRED- MORE INFO SOON!
Thank you to Bill Spradley and Trees, Forests and Landscapes for offering their expertise to make the clinic valuable and to Pea Ridge Forest for their offer to host the event. This is a jump start to seasonal workshops that will be offered throughout the year.

In the course of the day long Open House, several members had useful comments about MLNA and how we can continue to move forward, including a well received suggestion for a “MLNA TREE CLINIC”. It will offer demonstrations and practical advice on tree pruning and seasonal care. There will be a reasonable fee to help support MLNA. Registration will be limited. We are working out the details and will post information on the Calendar and Event pages as soon as we have more information.