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Highlights from VNLA Field Day
On August 2 – 4, VNLA members gathered for another fun-filled and informative VNLA Field Day! Attendees enjoyed a networking social at Rising Silo Brewery on Wednesday evening, then a full day of learning on Thursday, August 3rd. Updates from Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Educational Presentations, Hahn Horticulture Garden Tours, Legislative Updates, Exhibitors, Lunch and Interaction with Industry Colleagues were all valuable parts of the day’s activities. The event wrapped up on Friday with tours of Lane Stadium and River Bend Nursery.
Social and educational events have never been more important for green industry professionals and VNLA is proud to host this event in concert with our sponsors, speakers, exhibitors and members!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
LUNCH SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
WATER SPONSORS
THREE CHEERS FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS!
Our event volunteers kept the wheels turning smoothly for event attendees.
Volunteers not pictured:
Master Gardeners
Allison Akers
Beth Kirby
Wendy Silverman | New River Valley Master Gardener Coordinator | Virginia Cooperative Extension Montgomery County – Agriculture & Natural Resources
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES AT FIELD DAY
The VNLA is incredibly appreciative of the informative legislative updates from and ongoing partnership with:
Cliff Williams | Executive Director | Virginia Agribusiness Council
Craig Regelbrugge | Executive Vice President Advocacy, Research & Industry Relations | AmericanHort
Matt Mika | Vice President, Advocacy & Government Affairs | AmericanHort
SPEAKERS AT FIELD DAY
The VNLA is grateful for incredible partners and their time. Thank you for sharing updates and vision for future plans.
Dr. Mike Evans | Director VT School of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Scott Douglas | Director Hahn Horticulture Garden | Instructor VT School of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Dr. Alejandro Del-Pozo | VT Assistant Professor Entomology | Extension Specialist
Dr. Mary Burrows | VT Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies | Director, Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station
EDUCATIONAL TALKS AT FIELD DAY
TOPIC: From red-headed flea beetle to box tree moth: an update on emerging and invasive pests in ornamentals (pictured)
SPEAKER: Dr. Alejandro Del-Pozo | VT Assistant Professor Entomology Virginia Cooperative Extension Specialist
TOPIC: Native Plants, Our Next Opportunity
SPEAKER: Peggy Singlemann Creator, RVA Gardener LLC | Host, co-producer, Virginia Home Grown | VPM / PBS & Horticulture Speaker and Garden Coach
PANEL DISCUSSION AT FIELD DAY
TOPIC: Labor in our Industry
PANELISTS: Cliff Williamson | Virginia Agribusiness Council
Jim Saunders | Saunders Brothers Emily Morris | másLabor
Chapman Williams | Williams Brothers Tree and Lawn
MODERATOR: Seana Ankers | Meadows Farms Nurseries & Landscape
NETWORKING SOCIAL AT RISING SILO BREWERY
ATTENDEES AT FIELD DAY AT HAHN HORTICULTURE GARDEN
EXHIBITORS AT FIELD DAY AT HAHN HORTICULTURE GARDEN
HAHN HORTICULTURE GARDEN EDUCATIONAL TOUR
VIRGINIA TECH WORSHAM FIELD EDUCATIONAL TOUR
RIVERBEND NURSERY EDUCATIONAL TOUR
