University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, in collaboration with the Nevada Department of Agriculture, will offer a series of eight classes for those in the green industry beginning Feb. 3.

Heidi Kratsch, Cooperative Extension horticulture specialist, said attendees "will learn science-based, sustainable horticulture practices to manage plants and landscapes efficiently and safely."

"This information will help green industry professionals to work with our environment and climate, not against it," she said.

The program benefits people wanting to enter the industry, beginners in the industry and established industry professionals.

"This Green Industry Training Program provides education and a certification that employers value," Kratsch said. "Cost-effective opportunities to earn arborist, pesticide applicator and other continuing education units can be hard to find. This program provides high-quality information and continuing education units at a low cost."

The trainings will be held 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 3 - 26. Classes are $15 each or $80 for all eight. Further discounts are available to organizations enrolling multiple employees. Classes are taught by Cooperative Extension and Nevada Department of Agriculture staff with local industry professionals and are held at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension office in Reno at 4955 Energy Way.

To register, visit www.growyourownnevada.com/horticulture-programs/green-industry-training/. For more information on classes or certification, contact Ashley Andrews at andrewsa@unce.unr.edu or 775-336-0231.

Class Schedule:

- Feb. 3: Plant Disease Basics
- Feb. 5: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Pesticide Safety
- Feb. 10: Soils, Potting Mixes and Fertilizers
- Feb. 12: Pruning Landscape Plants
- Feb. 17: Insect Identification
- Feb. 19: Sustainable Turfgrass Maintenance
- Feb. 24: Weeds and Weed Law
- Feb. 26: Woody Plant Identification