Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicator Recertification Conference
 
 

 

   

January 16, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Turf Valley Resort

2700 Turf Valley Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Event Details | Agenda | CEUs


Speaker Bios
 

David L. Clement, Ph.D.


David L. Clement, Ph.D., is an Extension Specialist in Plant Pathology with the University of Maryland Extension. He is a valued member of both the Home and Gardening Information Center and the Commercial Horticulture Industry Team. With over 35 years of experience at the University of Maryland, David brings extensive expertise and dedication to his work in plant pathology and horticulture.


Madeline Potter


Madeline Potter is a Faculty Specialist with the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Home and Garden Information Center. Her extension program focuses on educating others about sustainable pest management, conservation of beneficial arthropods, and the management of invasive species through the lens of integrated pest management (IPM).

Madeline earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Horticulture with a minor in sustainability and a high honors certification in entomology from the University of Maryland, College Park. She also holds a thesis-based Master of Science in Entomology from the same institution. Her master's research explored factors to improve the biological control of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) using egg parasitoids.


Mike Reed


Mike Reed is the Director of Technical Sales and Education for Synatek Solutions and Branch Creek Organics, privately held companies specializing in Turf and Ornamental technologies. His work focuses on helping companies discover and develop regenerative and sustainable solutions, including pesticides, biostimulants, and fertilizers.

Known for his interactive, engaging, and practical presentation style, Mike has taught re-certification classes in 17 states. He holds certifications in five different pesticide categories, reflecting his deep expertise and commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the industry.


Ginny Rosenkranz


Ginny Rosenkranz has been with the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension since 1994, serving as an Area Extension Educator for Commercial Horticulture in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Botany from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master of Science in Horticulture and Extension Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Ginny specializes in assisting arborists, greenhouse growers, nursery growers, landscape contractors, garden center operators, and golf course superintendents with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Total Plant Management (TPM) production challenges. She contributes to the TPM/IPM community by writing a weekly "Plant of the Week" segment for a newsletter distributed to Maryland’s commercial horticulturists. Additionally, she authors three articles annually for Free State Magazine and a monthly article for Shore Home and Garden magazine.

Ginny is deeply involved in education, teaching an annual Master Gardener course for the tri-county area, which attracts 20-25 participants each year. She also facilitates monthly Advanced Master Gardener meetings in two of her counties. To promote local commercial horticulture, she hosts a monthly segment on Delmarva Life (CBS), covering topics such as IPM for commercial and home gardeners, indoor and outdoor gardening, new plant varieties, and innovative garden ideas.

Active in professional organizations, Ginny has contributed significantly to the Maryland Association of County Agricultural Agents (MACAA) and the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA). Her leadership roles with MACAA include serving as secretary, vice president, president, past president, and state chair for Horticulture & Turf, as well as Recognition & Awards. With NACAA, she has served as vice chair of the Professional Excellence Committee, Northeast Director, National Secretary, and currently as Regional Committee Vice Chair for the Northeast for Horticulture and Turfgrass.


Chuck Schuster


Chuck Schuster, Senior Agent Emeritus with the University of Maryland Extension, has served the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for many years. An Emeritus Educator, he worked extensively in Montgomery County, contributing his expertise to agricultural education and community outreach.

Chuck holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Extension Education from the University of Maryland and a Master of Liberal Arts in Education from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College). He currently serves as the Interim Assistant Director of Operations for the University of Maryland Extension.

With a strong interest in nursery and landscape trees, Chuck has conducted applied research on the nitrogen fertilization needs of selected tree species, aligning his work with Maryland’s Nutrient Management Laws. He is actively involved in the Maryland Farm Bureau and his local church.

Chuck resides in Glenwood, Maryland, where he raises a variety of trees, tends a large garden, and cultivates flowers, combining his passions for learning and enjoyment.


Timothy Zang


Timothy Zang holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant and Soil Science from West Virginia University. He is a certified Professional Fertilizer Applicator and a Certified Nutrient Management Consultant in the state of Maryland.

With over 32 years of experience as a Lawn Doctor franchise owner, Timothy has extensive expertise in lawn care and nutrient management. For the past five years, he has been serving as a Nutrient Management Specialist - Urban with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, focusing on sustainable practices and effective nutrient management in urban environments.


Heather Zindash


Heather Zindash is a Certified Professional Horticulturalist, Professional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Consultant, ISA Certified Arborist, Medical Cannabis Agent/Consultant, Maryland Master Gardener, and Maryland Master Naturalist. Her mission is to “bring people, plants, and nature together for health and well-being.”

Heather combines her lifelong passion for gardening and nature with her formal education and specialized training through her business, The Soulful Gardener, LLC. As an Independent IPM Consultant serving the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond, she works with growers, landscape professionals, and commercial and residential clients to protect their plants. Heather provides expert guidance on identifying pests and diseases and recommends best management practices, including cultural, mechanical, biological, and target-specific chemical strategies that minimize impact on non-target organisms.

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