SCHEDULE
MONDAY Pre-Conference Sessions:
PLT Relicensure and Pesticide Recertification will be available on Monday, Jan. 20 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
TUESDAY JAN. 21
Community day for these Villages with a full day of focused education. From trends to business strategies, find everything you need to thrive!
Landscape/ Hardscape Contractor
Landscape Design/Landscape Architecture Golf
Management Path Water/ Irrigation
WEDNESDAY
JAN. 22
Dedicated trade show day!
TRADE SHOW
9:00am-3:30pm BLOCK PARTY 3:30pm-5:30pm
THURSDAY
JAN. 23
Community day for these Villages with a full day of focused
plus the
will be open in the
Disclaimer: Although every reasonable effort is made to provide the speakers, topics, and sessions listed, some changes or substitutions may occur. Speakers and sessions are subject to cancellation or changes up to and including the day the session(s) are scheduled to be held. Changes or cancellations are made at the discretion of MNLA/MTGF and may be done without notifying attendees. If sessions are changed or cancelled, no refunds should be expected. Submission of the registration form acknowledges acceptance of this provision.
YOU’RE ALMOST DONE WITH A LANDSCAPING PROJECT. YOU’VE ONLY GOT 5 YARDS OF ROCK TO PUT IN 3 BEDS. BUT THE NEWBIE ACCIDENTALLY TORE A HYDRAULIC HOSE, LEAVING YOU WITH 5 YARDS OF ROCK TO SHOVEL BY HAND. THAT’S WHEN YOU CALL YOUR ZIEGLER REP. HE LINES UP YOUR REPAIR BY 2 PM SO YOU CAN COMPLETE THE PROJECT ON TIME.
Hotels for Northern Green Book Now!
A limited number of discounted room rates have been secured for Northern Green 2025 at the hotels below. We encourage you to book your rooms early to ensure you get the ideal room and rate for your circumstances. Space and discounted rates are limited at each hotel, so book early to get your fi rst choice. Note: Prices at most hotels will go up after December 20, 2024. Book early for the best rates.
HAMPTON INN & SUITES
200 7th Street W, St. Paul, MN 55102
Rate: $117 (single/double rate)
Reservation Line: 651-224-7400
Parking: Self parking not available. Valet: $24.
THE SAINT PAUL HOTEL
350 N Market Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Rate: $144 (standard room)
Reservation Line: 651-292-9292 or 800-292-9292
(Ask for the 2025 Northern Green rate)
Online Reservation Link under “rate type” choose “group/block” and enter 4446247.
Parking: Self parking not available. Valet: Rates vary (call for information).
HOLIDAY INN ST. PAUL DOWNTOWN
175 West 7th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Rate: $129 (single/double rate)
Reservation Line: 651-225-1515
Parking: Onsite parking in connected ramp ($21 per day). Offsite parking directly across the street (prices vary).
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT
150 Smith Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55102
Rate: $149 (single rate)
Reservation Line: 651-204-4050 (identify yourself as a Northern Green participant)
Parking: Self parking not available. Valet: $35.
1
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Our venue is the Saint Paul RiverCentre and the Roy Wilkins Auditorium & Exhibit Hall (175 West Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102). There are many options for parking and dining nearby.
The most convenient parking is in the RiverCentre Parking Ramp on 150 West Kellogg Blvd. This ramp is located directly across the street from Saint Paul RiverCentre and is connected via skyway.
There are many other parking options as well, indicated on the map below with a blue box:
2 Patrick McGovern’s is the site for the Tuesday afternoon’s Village Social Hour.
3 Access into the RiverCentre is:
From the Parking Ramp Skyway
Along the street level of Kellogg Ave.
From the Rice Park entrance (between the Ordway and Herbie’s on the Park)
Signs will point you to REGISTRATION to pick up your badge and begin your day!
Kellogg Boulevard
4
The Saint Paul RiverCentre is a cashless venue. Please plan accordingly if you need to purchase food or beverage.
Northern Green 2025 Pre-Conference Sessions
POWER LIMITED TECHNICIAN (PLT)
RELICENSURE: LANDSCAPE LIGHTING FOCUS
7:30am - 4:30pm
Course Approval Code #: CRSE2408-0009
This course has been approved by the Minnesota Dept. of Labor & Industry for eight hours of continuing education requirements for the Power Limited Technician License, including 2 hours of code and 6 hours of technical training oriented specifically toward the landscape industry.
7:30-9:30am NEC Code
9:30-9:45am Break
9:45am-4:30pm
Technical Training: Landscape Lighting Fundamentals
Speaker: Keith Radatz, Unique Lighting
PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION (CATEGORIES A, E, & P)
Cat. P: 7:30-9:00am
Cat. A & E: 9:15am-4:00pm
This course has been approved by the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture (MDA), and will meet Commercial Pesticide Applicator Requirements for Category A (Core), Category E (Turf and Ornamentals), as well as an option to add Category P (Vertebrate Pest Control).
Licensed applicators with Categories A and E who last attended a recertification workshop in 2023, and newly-licensed pesticide applicators in 2024, must attend an MDA-approved workshop by December 31, 2025. By attending the Pesticide Recertification class and scanning in and out onsite with staff of MDA, applicators will obtain recertification credit.
7:30–9:00am
Category P - Vertebrate Pest Management
Speaker: Stephen Vantassel, Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC
Note: Those wishing to recertify in category P, must also attend the category A & E sessions from 9:15am - 4:00pm on this date.
9:15-9:45am
MDA General Session
Speaker: Brian Clark, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
9:45-10:15am
MDA Hot Topic: What to Expect
During an Inspection
Speaker: ACI Inspector, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
10:15-11:15am
The Basics of Integrated Pest Management
Speaker: Erin Buchholz, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
11:15am-12:00pm Nuisance and Noxious Plants: Look-aLikes and Management Strategies
Speaker: Gary Wyatt, University of Minnesota, Agroforestry
12:00-12:45pm Lunch Break
12:45-1:30pm Water Quality
Speaker: Matt Cavanaugh, bioLawn
1:30-2:30pm Worms, Borers, and Beetles…Oh My!
Speaker: Vera Krischik, University of Minnesota
2:30-2:45pm Break
2:45-4:00pm
Diagnosing Tree Issues Properly, Before Treatment
Speaker: Daniel Gjertson, University of Minnesota
Room
Introducing your Keynote Speakers! 2025
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 7:45-8:30AM | BALLROOM CD
How to ConquerAnything
Neal Glatt
Whether we seek positive change for our company, our team, or ourselves, we’re seeking to conquer something we haven’t done before. But the fear of the unknown, suffering setbacks or tragedies, and feeling depleted can prevent us from achieving our true potential. In this session, our speaker will share how transforming challenges into conquests is always possible, in an inspirational and actionable way that will equip you to dream big and accomplish your goals at work and in life. If you need to refresh your motivation, rediscover your purpose, or retool your approach, you won’t want to miss this session!
Neal Glatt is a managing partner and co-founder of GrowTheBench.com. In his career as a snow contractor, Neal joined Case Snow Management, Inc. as an Account Executive in 2010. The company owned a single pick-up truck and had annual revenues of less than $1 million. Leading the sales effort and serving as part of the leadership team, Neal helped the company exceed $40 million in annual sales before beginning his own coaching practice in 2017. During that time, Neal discovered the power of focusing on strengths and the ability of strong leadership to infl uence amazing results. His passion is to help other people also fi nd fulfi llment and success in life. Neal ran the Boston Marathon in 2018 and 2019, as well as the Chicago Marathon in 2021, each time for a welldeserving charity benefi ting youth in foster care and around the world. You can learn more about Neal at www.NealGlatt.com.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 7:45-8:30AM | BALLROOM CD
J’aime Nowak
Mastering Change
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, staying ahead means embracing and mastering change. Join J’aime Nowak, leadership expert as she shares innovative strategies and practical insights that will empower you to navigate the continuing shifts with confidence and creativity. You’ll learn the 5 secret ingredients to transform through change and how to apply these principles to your life & business. You’ll gain tools to elevate your mindset and productivity, increase your wellness, enhance your decision-making, and lead the way to more focus, fulfillment and unprecedented growth.
National Keynote Speaker & Leadership Trainer J’aime Nowak has been a leading force in business leadership and professional growth and development for over 28 years. Being on the front lines as a successful entrepreneur, a highly profi table company owner and a growth-focused corporate leader has earned her a unique perspective and expertise on cultivating excellence while overcoming adversity and mastering change. She has spoken to and trained thousands to build profi table businesses and careers while living fulfi lling lives. J’aime’s mission is to inspire people to become their very best by focusing on what matters most. She lives in Carlsbad, CA with her handsome husband, 2 fabulous sons, 2 large cats and their rescue pup Woody.
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:
VILLAGE SCHEDULE
9:00-10:50am
TUES. JAN. 21, 2025 |
FEATURED SPEAKER
Jeremy Martin
Contractor
ROOM: BALLROOM AB
VILLAGE SUPPORTED BY:
Designing and Building with Porcelain Pavers
Craig Sheller, Sheller Outdoor Living
This presentation offers a comprehensive overview of porcelain pavers, explaining their durable, weatherresistant properties and how they differ from other paving materials. It highlights their advantages, such as stain and scratch resistance, low water absorption, and a wide range of design options for outdoor spaces. The session also dispels common myths about their fragility and limited applications, reinforcing their suitability for both residential and commercial use. Finally, it outlines the installation process, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation and techniques for optimal results. Overall, the presentation advocates for the use of porcelain pavers in modern design.
11:00-12:00pm
Managing Next Level Hardscape Projects
Speaker: Jeremy Martin, Willow Gates Landscaping
Today’s hardscape projects are increasingly complex, continuing the trend to view the outdoor living areas as extensions of the home. Many of today’s outdoor living projects require a basic understanding of home construction, coordination of multiple trades, code compliance for utilities, and even multiple engineers. This class is ideal for contractors who want to break into the high-end projects that include structures, kitchens, pools, and more. Checklists and practical tips will be provided to help prevent oversights that result in dissatisfied clients and extensive change orders.
12:00-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-1:50pm
Drainage and Soil Types of Minnesota
Speaker: Kristie Walker, University of Minnesota, Crookston
Seven soil orders in Minnesota vary in their soil moisture regimes. Too much or too little water in the soil can adversely affect plant growth and development. This seminar will explore how soil physical properties
influence water-related behaviors of soils, how water moves and is lost through soils, soil drainage classifications, and drainage systems. Understanding soil water characteristics is important in making soil management decisions that can ultimately affect plant productivity, soil quality, and the environment.
2:00-3:00pm
Developing Strong Field Teams: Best Practices & Efficiency Strategies
Speaker: Joe Ketterer, Ruppert Landscape
In this session, you will learn how to implement best practices to maximize efficiency and safety protocols in your weekly landscape maintenance operations. While covering safety protocols, equipment selection, and workflow optimization, we will explore some techniques to elevate your work. Review Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in order to create a culture of safety within your team. Discover time tested strategies for matching the right equipment to each site. Differentiate between good and bad habits, optimize workflow through the property and empower your team with comprehensive equipment training and job scripting. Whether you’re experienced or new to the industry, this session provides valuable insights to enhance your landscaping success.
3:15-5:00pm
Village Social Hour
Patrick McGovern’s Pub 225 7th St W, St. Paul, MN 55102
VILLAGE SCHEDULE
9:00-9:50am
TUES. JAN. 21, 2025 | ROOM: 4
FEATURED SPEAKERS
David Morrow Chris Williamson
Weather Trends and Golf
Speaker: Mark Seeley, Retired, University of Minnesota
In recent decades there has been increasing recognition by scientists that the climate is showing several distinct trends. In our own Great Lakes Region there are measurable changes going on including warmer temperatures, higher frequency of tropical-like dew points and an overall increase in variability of precipitation and other hydrologic features. These climate trends are clearly linked to visible consequences in the landscape which affect our ability to take part in recreational activities. These changes in climate are important for us to understand and adapt to effectively.
10:00-10:50am
Financial Planning
Speaker: David Morrow, Wolferts Roost Country Club
In this session, Morrow will share from his 30+ years of experience in the golf business including knowledge on debt and how he managed to get out from underneath it.
11:00am-12:00pm
Potential Arthropod Threats to Turfgrass
Speaker: Chris Williamson, PBI-Gordon Corporation
Dr. Williamson has nearly 40 years of collective knowledge and experience in the turf and ornamental industry, and he has strived to provide relevant and practical (real world) solutions to the turf and ornamental industry. This seminar will inform turfgrass managers about the potential arthropod (insect) threats, and the necessary information and tools to effectively identify and manage them to mitigate turf damage.
12:00-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-1:50pm
Putting Green Aeration and Topdressing: Using Data and Playability to Optimize these Cultural Practices
Speaker: Adam Moeller, Moeller Consulting
This presentation will cover the importance of managing putting green rootzones and how aeration and topdressing programs have evolved in the last 20 years. We’ll discuss how organic matter/soil analysis data along with putting green performance metrics can be blended together to optimize aeration and topdressing programs on putting greens. For some, this approach could translate into less aeration and topdressing while others might need to increase the frequency of these practices. Lastly, we’ll highlight how there is no “one-size-fits-all” program and the importance of communication with key stakeholders about the dynamic nature of rootzone management practices.
2:00-3:00pm
Autonomous Equipment on the Golf Course - An Overview
Speaker: Ryan Popp, SiteOne Landscape Supply
This session will provide a brief history of the evolution of autonomous mowing, an overview of the capabilities of equipment currently available, along with a look into future possibilities. Similarities and differences between several manufacturers will be discussed, and experiences will be shared from several courses with equipment already in use.
3:15-5:00pm Village Social Hour
Patrick McGovern’s Pub 225 7th St W, St. Paul, MN 55102
VILLAGE SCHEDULE
9:00-9:50am
TUES. JAN. 21, 2025 |
FEATURED SPEAKER
Nick McCullough
American Roots
Speaker: Nick McCullough, McCullough’s Landscape & Nursery
Follow the journey across the US and take a closer look at gardens that designer Nick McCullough captured on his quest to celebrate the American garden in his new book American Roots (Timber Press). We will explore a selection of gardens created by 20 creative gardeners across our vast land from Big Sur, California to the shores of Rhode Island. Gain inspiration, planting tips, and an expanded notion of what an American garden is.
10:00-11:20am
My Favorite Projects
Panel: Diana Grundeen, Becca Bastyr, Justin Dorschied
Hear from a panel of landscape designers from the wider region about the trends they are encountering and interesting projects they’ve tackled in the past two to three years. Projects and trends from throughout the Midwest will be featured.
11:30am-12:30pm
Healing Inspired Landscapes
Speaker: Han Zhang, O2 Design
Landscape architects and designers strive to uncover meanings and create moments of delight that forge emotional, spiritual, and cultural connections between people and their surroundings. An experience-focused design requires designers to effectively translate
Landscape Design/ Landscape Architecture
ROOM: BALLROOM EF
FEATURED SPEAKER Han Zhang
FEATURED SPEAKER Austin Eischeid
emotional insights into tangible design elements. In this session, Han Zhang will present recent projects from O2 Design to illustrate how this design process is implemented across various scales, site context and design criteria to create impactful emotive moments.
12:30-1:30pm Lunch
1:30-3:00pm
Inside Scoop on Designing A Naturalistic Garden
Speaker: Austin Eischeid, Austin Eischeid Garden Design LLC
Garden designer Austin Eischeid shares practical design lessons learned from working on small and large scale projects across the midwest and beyond. He will focus on dynamic naturalistic planting using strong perennials and grasses with all season interest. He will examine the importance of good design based on the understanding of how plants evolve over time in specific landscapes and in a variety of plant combinations. Through his work redesigning the master landscape plan for Millennium Park, Kingwood Center Gardens, and other projects. Eischeid will demonstrate how matrix and block planting can maximize rhythm, repetition, form, and color to evoke the spirit of nature in a controlled way.
3:15-5:00pm Village Social Hour
Patrick McGovern’s Pub 225 7th St W, St. Paul, MN 55102
VILLAGE SCHEDULE
9:00-9:45am
Water/Irrigation
TUES. JAN. 21, 2025 | ROOM: 1
FEATURED SPEAKERS
11:00-11:45am
What Trends Will Help Your Irrigation and Landscape Business Thrive?
Speaker: Steve Pallas, Hunter Industries
In this session, we will discuss market opportunities, and new and old products that will help your business be successful. We will also review staffing challenges in our industry.
10:00-10:45am
Advanced Two-Wire Controls
Speaker: Craig Otto, Global Irrigation Solutions
Otto will discuss how to set up your two-wire systems for success. The session will include advanced two-wire control management including decoder wiring and grounding.
Promoting and Protecting Your Company with Career Paths for Landscape Irrigation
Panel: Jeff Latterell, Isaac Loynachan, Tim Malooly, and Kurt Schrader
In this session we will discuss market opportunities, present and future landscape irrigation career opportunities, and career path options.
11:45am – 12:30pm Lunch
12:30-3:00pm
Advanced Pumps and Pump Controls
Speaker: Eric Pifer, Watertronics
In this session, Pifer will discuss pump station maintenance from an end-user perspective.
3:15-5:00pm
Village Social Hour
Patrick McGovern’s Pub 225 7th St W, St. Paul, MN 55102
Village Socials
January 21 & 23, 2025
Kick back, unwind, and conclude a day of learning by joining your Village peers for conversation and connection at Patrick McGovern’s Pub & Restaurant! Following your fi nal Village session, make your way to this gathering to savor a selection of beverages at our cash bars and enjoy complimentary appetizers (while they last).
SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE NORTHERN GREEN VILLAGE SUPPORTERS:
LANDSCAPE/HARDSCAPE CONTRACTOR
THURSDAY, 7:00-7:30AM TUESDAY, 3:15-5:00PM
Come early and join your Village peers for morning roundtable conversations and connection! Kick off your day of learning on the second floor of the Saint Paul RiverCentre with a breakfast pastry and complimentary coffee (while supplies last).
SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE NORTHERN GREEN VILLAGE SUPPORTERS:
MANAGEMENT PATH SCHEDULE
TUES. JAN. 21, & THURS. JAN. 23, 2025 | ROOM: 10
9:00-9:50am
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Neal Glatt Liz Westberg
Building your Bench: Recruiting, Engaging, and Retaining Employees in the Green Industry
Speakers: Benjamin Molenda and Paige Franks, BEST Human Capital Advisory Group
Do you currently have the right people on your team? Are you concerned with building your bench for today and tomorrow? With the ever-evolving state of the labor market, especially in the Green Industry, it is essential that we adapt our thinking about recruiting, engaging and retaining your people to remain competitive. In this seminar, you will learn the following:
• How to recruit, motivate, retain, and evolve your people.
• The tangibles, such as organization structure and development, and the intangibles, such as social capital (culture).
• Do you have the necessary backup for critical roles? Is the business too owner dependent, and do your people have a clear career path and runway?
• Compensation: Leading, on par, or lagging?
• Individual Training and Development: How do we improve our existing talent and ensure you meet their desire for continued learning?
10:00-10:50am
Reducing Repetitive Motion Injuries
Speaker: Nels Spence, Bartlett Tree Care
This session will focus on how to care for the body to reduce the exposure of repetitive motion injuries. We will see how repetitive motions in the workplace contribute to injury, how to prepare the body for physical work, and how to alleviate the negative effects of physically demanding work.
11:00am-12:00pm
Coaching Conversations
Speaker: Neal Glatt, GrowTheBench.com
We all want more out of each employee and team. Gallup has determined that at least 70% of a team’s engagement is based on the team leader. Unfortunately, many leaders fail to understand the power of a personalized coaching approach to the unique needs of their team members or struggle with implementing it. In this session, you will discover how coaching conversations can help people
MANAGEMENT PATH SUPPORTED BY:
achieve extraordinary results and uncover the step-bystep game plan for creating a culture of coaching that enables high performance. You will walk away with a list of great coaching questions to ask, the knowledge of how and when to coach employees, and proven strategies to overcome common objections and hurdles to coaching.
12:00-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-1:50pm
5 Marketing Mistakes Green Industry Entrepreneurs are Making
Speakers: Vanessa McQuade and Rob Murray, Intrigue Media
This workshop offers a deep dive into common marketing pitfalls specific to the green industry, hindering business growth and efficiency. Designed specifically for green industry business owners and entrepreneurs, this workshop highlights critical areas of improvement, such as:
• Engaging the wrong part of your customer’s brain (No formal sales and/or value add process)
• Talking about yourself, not your customer (No Goal & ROI Clarity)
• Leads and their Sources (No Industry Benchmarks) Through industry-relevant examples, case studies and data, this workshop provides actionable advice on making immediate minor adjustments and planning significant long-term strategies to improve return on investment and expand operations.
2:00-3:00pm
Aggressive Homeowners: Training for a Mindset of De-Escalation
Speaker: Liz Westberg, Growth Solutions
Interacting with aggressive or hostile homeowners has long been an issue for utility tree workers but is becoming more common in other spheres of the green industry as well. This is a training topic all field staff should attend annually. It walks through both common and rare hostile encounters with homeowners, occupants, and general members of the public, and provides best practices for de-escalation, leaving that situation in a safe manner, and appropriate follow-up methods.
VILLAGE SCHEDULE
7:00-7:30am
THURS. JAN. 23, 2025 |
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Mark Seeley Anna McClintock
Village Morning SocialCoffee and Connections
RiverCentre, Second Floor
7:45-8:30am
Keynote: Mastering Change
Ballroom CD
9:00-9:50am
Weather Trends and Landscape Management
Speaker: Mark Seeley, Retired, University of Minnesota
In recent decades there has been increasing recognition by scientists that the climate is showing several distinct trends. In our own Great Lakes Region there are measurable changes going on including warmer temperatures, higher frequency of tropical-like dew points and an overall increase in variability of precipitation and other hydrologic features. These climate trends are clearly linked to visible consequences in the landscape. These changes in climate are important for us to understand and adapt to effectively, especially in our landscape and horticultural practices.
10:00-10:50am
Flower Maintenance: Gardens and Containers
Speaker: Anna McClintock, Heidi’s Growhaus and Lifestyle Gardens
McClintock will discuss a year-long guide to flower care in Minnesota containers and landscapes. The presentation will include information on ordering,
Turf, Grounds, & Snow Management
ROOM: BALLROOM AB
VILLAGE SUPPORTED BY:
installing, fertilizing, deadheading, and otherwise maintaining flowering plants. The emphasis will be on best practices for sustainable gardening.
11:00am-12:00pm
Yearlong Maintenance of Woody Plants
Speaker: Kent Honl, Rainbow Treecare
This session will outline the yearly calendar of cultural practices necessary to keep woody plants healthy and resilient in urban landscapes. We will look at the main highlights in mulching, watering, pruning, and monitoring conditions in the soil and surrounding landscape.
12:00-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-1:45pm
Practical Snow and Ice Management
Panel: Panel: Justin Hauge, Jeff Prange, Brandon Reilly, Steve Smythe, Jensen Tschetter
This session will cover both summer and winter considerations in landscape management. We will focus on improving your snow and ice removal processes.
2:00-3:00pm
Year Round Turfgrass Best Practices
Speaker: Jon Trappe, University of Minnesota
This session will cover all the best management practices for professionals managing turfgrass areas. Specific topics include proper mowing, fertilization, weed and insect management, irrigation, aeration, and establishment. Attendees will learn the best management practices, as well as the best time to complete them.
VILLAGE SCHEDULE
THURS. JAN. 23, 2025 |
Garden Center/Grower
7:00-7:30am
FEATURED SPEAKER
Carol Reese
Village Morning SocialCoffee and Connections
RiverCentre, Second Floor
7:45-8:30am
Keynote: Mastering Change
Ballroom CD
9:00-9:50am
The Production Mode of Garden Center Management
Speaker: Bert Swanson, Swanson’s Nursery Consulting, Inc.
Whether you as a Garden Center Manager are growing all or a small part of your plant inventory, the plants you are growing and selling deserve/require the attention and action throughout the growing/ selling season that will increase their value rather than let them deteriorate in value. What does this production mode include? Come and find out!
10:00-10:50am What Plays Well with What: Compatibilities in the Bio-Control World
Speaker: Julie Graesch, BioWorks
Biopesticides are excellent add-ins to integrated pestand disease-management programs. They bring unique modes of action, which are important in resistance management and are inherently safer for workers, nontarget organisms, and the environment. In addition, most biopesticides have short REIs, which means that they can be applied with minimal disruption to day-today crop management activities. Yet adoption is often hampered by perceptions that they are for use in organic systems only. The reality is that many are compatible with synthetic chemistry, and some can even be applied in a tank mix. This presentation will consider bioinsecticides and natural enemies and will include information on the use with conventional products (when it makes sense, ways to ensure compatibility), along with working examples and resources available to growers to guide their decisions around product selections and timing.
ROOM: BALLROOM EF
VILLAGE SUPPORTED BY:
11:00am-12:00pm
The Art and Artistry of Chanticleer
Speaker: Dan Benarcik, Chanticleer
Horticulture is imperative at Chanticleer, but is not the only thing that sets the garden apart from other public gardens. It is also the efforts of the staff that make the garden unique. This talk highlights the artists and their work in the garden.
12:00-12:45pm Lunch
12:45-1:45pm
Factors That Effect Pesticide Performance
Speaker: Chris Williamson, PBI-Gordon Corporation
Attendees of this presentation will learn about the various factors (biotic and abiotic) that influence/ impact pesticide performance, and be equipped to better select, mix and load, and apply pesticides to maximize the product (fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, etc.) performance (efficacy). This information may also reduce cost by mitigating re-application of pesticides as a result of poor performance due to one or a combination of factors that adversely affect pesticides.
2:00-3:00pm
Native Plants: Facts, Fabrications, and Foibles
Speaker: Carol Reese, Retired University of TN Extension Specialist
Are native plants really more likely to succeed? Are they always the better choice for supporting insects? Reese’s program separates fact from fiction, and champions all well-behaved plants that provide exceptional sustenance for insects and other wildlife. She suggests that dismissing a plant on the basis of its origin rather than its ecological merits has potential to result in more harm than good to our already damaged planet. This thought-provoking program will question the entire concept of “native” - and if trying to freeze the available plant selections to a particular moment in time is beneficial - or even possible. Hold onto your hats while Reese humorously uses Frankenstein, Sitting Bull, mastodons, space travel and kitchen blenders to build her case on the importance of not limiting the plant palette, and invites unification over the hugely important goal of providing for the “little things that run the world”. (Phrase coined by the late, great E.O. Wilson)
VILLAGE SCHEDULE
THURS.
JAN. 23, 2025
7:00-7:30am
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Village Morning SocialCoffee and Connections
RiverCentre, Second Floor
7:45-8:30am
Keynote: Mastering Change
Ballroom CD
9:00-9:50am
Managing Invasive Species
Speaker: Dr. Mark Renz, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Dr. Renz has over 20 years of experience with management of invasive plants throughout the United States in a wide range of habitats including riparian zones, roadsides, floodplains, prairies, wetlands, and forests. He will discuss the impact of invasive plants and options for managing species common in the upper Midwest.
10:00-10:50am
Cultivating Communities: Ecological Stewardship and Ethical Labor Management
Speaker: Rashid Poulson, Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation
Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) is one of the largest public investments to be completed in New York City in a generation and serves to connect people and nature through inclusive, innovative, and sustainable management and design. The Park’s gardens replicate native ecosystems and are managed with the intention of creating a valuable habitat for wildlife. The horticulture department at BBP recognizes and supports the need for gardeners to blend new and old ideas in horticulture practices, resulting in successful and innovative techniques. This talk will address the department’s staff management approaches, which empower all employees’ capabilities and passions for urban ecology and stewardship, while also supporting the Park’s most basic needs. Additionally, we will showcase some of the ecologically minded gardening practices that help the park meet the needs of the wildlife that inhabits its gardens.
| ROOM: 4
11:00-11:50am
The Foodscape at the Arboretum: Integrating Diverse Food Plants in Beautiful Ways
Speaker: Julie Weisenhorn, University of Minnesota Extension Horticulture
“Foodscape” is a concept that has its roots in the field of geography and is used in urban studies and public health when referring to urban food environments. In terms of landscapes, foodscaping intentionally uses food plants with ornamental value to demonstrate a means to increase food security, availability and accessibility. Designed and installed in 2023 by UMN Extension educators Julie Weisenhorn and Jon Trappe, the Foodscape at the Minnesota Arboretum inspires visitors. It celebrates the beauty of food while showcasing diverse plants and growing techniques gardeners of all kinds can use to intentionally and thoughtfully incorporate food plants into their own yards and gardens.
11:50-12:45pm Lunch
12:45-1:45pm A Love for Weeds
Speaker: Carol Reese, Retired University of TN Extension Specialist
As insect numbers plummet, and birds grow ever more scarce, what can we do? Plant more…or clean up less? Is the wish to make things tidy (usually considered an admirable trait) not so commendable? Reese takes a fun look at our definitions of what makes a plant a weed, and how some made the transition from the ditch to stunning perennial borders. Can we learn how to manage a “weed patch” for its beauty and value as wildlife habitat? Could we be more flexible, reducing maintenance demands and needs for mulch? Some define a weed as “a plant having to deal with an unhappy gardener.” Maybe it is that unhappiness that needs to be weeded out.
2:00-3:00pm Combinations, Finding the Right Mix
Speaker: Dan Bernarcik, Chanticleer Gardens
Finding the right mix, opening our eyes to what makes great combinations in a garden setting. Plants, colors, textures, paving and hardscape, as well as furniture will be discussed in detail.
Dan Benarcik Rashid Poulson
VILLAGE SCHEDULE
7:00-7:30am
Tree Care/Arborist
THURS. JAN. 23, 2025 | ROOM: 1
FEATURED SPEAKER
Todd Kramer
Village Morning SocialCoffee and Connections
RiverCentre, Second Floor
7:45-8:30am
Keynote: Mastering Change
Ballroom CD
9:00-9:50am
Leadership
for Crew Leaders and Managers
Speaker: Todd Kramer, Kramer Tree Specialists, Inc.
Green-industry staff are often promoted to leadership roles based on their ability to complete a task but may lack the qualities and skills required to be an effective leader. Learn how to develop leadership skills that will positively contribute to developing safe, productive and quality-oriented crews.
10:00-10:50am Safety First
Speaker: Eric Freesmeyer, SavATree
Establishing a structured safety program can prevent injuries, improve safety compliance, reduce workers compensation costs, and engage workers. Your employees are your most valuable asset.
11:00-11:50am
How to
Prepare for and Select New Software to Manage Your Business
Speaker: Tom Carman, Consultant
As a green-industry company, you probably got into your field because of your expertise in tree care, landscaping or lawn care. It most certainly wasn’t because you were interested in all the details of selecting software to help run your business. The core functions of providing
estimates, scheduling work and invoicing for services are provided for you by either dedicated software or in many cases, by spreadsheets and software such as Quickbooks. Because of the variety of options available for software, this session will NOT focus on selecting a particular one. We will however discuss HOW to select products that can help ease the burden of running your business. In order to do so, it is critical to review all of your operations and “must haves” and then begin reviewing options that meet those needs. This session will focus on how to manage that process.
11:50am-12:30pm Lunch
12:30-1:50pm
Adopting Battery-Powered Equipment
Panel: Danny Deetz, Jeff Drake, Felipe Illescas, Nels Spence
This panel discussion will focus on the transition from internal combustion engine-powered products to battery-powered units. Everything from legislation to the practicalities will be included.
2:00-3:00pm
Maintain Small Equipment for Efficiency & Safety
Speaker: Dan Gjertson, University of Minnesota
Small equipment is widely used throughout the green industry. Tools such as chainsaws, leaf blowers and hedge trimmers are important for a variety of tree care, landscaping and turf maintenance tasks. Properly maintaining these tools can allow your jobs to run more efficiently, with improved safety, and you can save money by avoiding expensive repair and replacement costs. Join this session to learn how proper maintenance of gas and battery-operated equipment can be incorporated into everyday work tasks.
• Explore the profiles of speakers and attendees
• Send in-app messages and exchange contact info
• Receive update notifications from organizers
• Access the event agenda, maps, and parking directions at your fingertips
• When provided by the speaker, digital session handouts are available on the app.
Job Boards are now exclusively in the app. Your listing stays posted before and after the show! Click on Community at the bottom, then scroll down to Job Openings. Search openings already posted, or fill in the form to post opportunities at your company.
WED., JAN. 22 TRADE
SHOW EDUCATION
STAGE SCHEDULE
9:30-10:30am
Big Changes in Employment Law - Hiring, Firing, and Everything in Between
Speaker: Patrick McGuiness, Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC
Join attorney (and former landscape business owner) Patrick McGuiness to learn about some of the big changes in Minnesota Law related to having employees. He will cover the requirements of a legal hiring process, the upcoming paid leave requirements, Earned Sick and Safe Time rules, and other important human resources topics. McGuiness will also talk about how to properly terminate employees without putting your business at risk.
10:30-11:30am
MN State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspection Demo
Speakers: Minnesota State Patrol Officers
A truck and trailer will be set up for the demo and a Minnesota State Patrol officer will be on hand to discuss the most frequent types of commercial vehicle citations and how to satisfy state and federal requirements. Bring your questions!
11:30am-12:30pm
The Key to Grow is Cash Flow: Technology Hacks for Landscape Contractors
Speaker: Ryan Beck, Project 2 Payment
As a landscape business owner, is your cash flow healthy? Do you know what your profits are, or how much you can take as a salary? Spoiler alert: You don’t have to be a math whiz to figure it out! In this session, we’ll peal back the key layers of healthy business finance practices and uncover the role technology should play to simplify managing a profitable landscaping business.
1:30-2:30pm
MN State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspection Demo
Speakers: Minnesota State Patrol Officers
A truck and trailer will be set up for the demo and a Minnesota State Patrol officer will be on hand to discuss the most frequent types of commercial vehicle citations and how to satisfy state and federal requirements. Bring your questions!
2:30-3:30pm
The New Alliance Gator Xturf Collection
Speaker: Patrick Bock, Alliance Designer Products Alliance Gator has a reputation for offering superior products and we are proud to launch Gator XTurf, a collection of the highest quality artificial turf and turf accessories for your outdoor projects.
ASK THE EXPERT
Have you ever wanted the opportunity to interact one-on-one with a speaker at Northern Green? Have a burning question you wish you could ask an industry expert? Now’s your chance! You’ll want to visit the Ask the Expert booth in Upper Wilkins to interact with professionals in a variety of focus areas. Each expert is scheduled to be in the booth for approximately 60 minutes. So, note when they will be available and stop by at your convenience.
10:00-11:00am
Topic: Turf
Expert: John Trappe, University of MN
11:00-12:00pm
Topics: Soil / Turf
Expert: Kristie Walker, University of MN Crookston 12:00-1:00pm
Topic: Greenhouse/Growing
Experts: Jason Wenninger, Scott Berther, Jared Putz, Joel Behl, Ebert’s Greenhouse 1:00-2:00pm
Topic: Soil and Bio-Controls
Experts: Andy Petersen, Spectrum Sales and Julie Graesch, BioWorks
2:00-3:00pm
Topics: Management/ HR/ Snow Management
Expert: Neal Glatt, GrowTheBench.com
LOWER WILKINS UPPER WILKINS
CEUs Available at
Northern Green 2025
Northern Green will once again provide you the opportunity to maintain many common green-industry certifi cations and licensures. If you’re looking to stay current, be sure to attend one of the following programs:
• Pesticide Applicator Recertifi cation (categories A & E), Vertebrates Recertifi cation (category P), will be available as part of Monday’s PreConference session Pesticide Recertifi cation.
• Recertifi cation for Power Limited Technicians will also be available as a Monday Pre-Conference session.
• All sessions during Northern Green qualify for MNLA-CP recertifi cation points.
• Many other sessions will also qualify for CEUs from various organizations including: International Society of Arboriculture, ASLA-MN, Irrigation Association, APLD, MGCSA, MN Tree Inspector Recertifi cation, and Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association. Each certifi ed or licensed individual is responsible for determining which sessions meet each organization’s differing requirements and to track them independently.
TRADE SHOW
B O O T H B N I G O
Join us for a round of Trade Show Booth Bingo that will help you engage with vendors while providing an opportunity for friendly competition. Fill out squares on your bingo card by getting stamps from exhibitors as you visit them on your trade show journey. Once you have a coverall, sign your bingo card, and drop it in the official entry drum near the trade show entrance for a chance to win fantastic prizes. Don’t miss this opportunity to have fun, make valuable connections, and potentially walk away with rewards!
One entry per person. Winners will be notified after the event.
NORTHERN GREEN BLOCK PARTY
WEDNESDAY ONLY!
3:30pm-5:30pm
Interact with your peers and forge valuable connections.
When the trade show is over on Wednesday, head right upstairs to the RiverCentre’s Ballroom for the Northern Green Block Party! Kick back and relax in the neighborhoodlike atmosphere with free games and food (while supplies last)!
UTENSILS
Food
Enjoy appetizers and snacks as you converse with colleagues.
TROPHY
Fun
Try your hand at a couple yard games in a fun and friendly environment.
HANDSHAKE
Connections
Catch up with friends at this laid back green industry reunion.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR BLOCK PARTY SPONSORS!
A Trade Show Built for the Attendee
WEDNESDAY: 9:00am-3:30pm
The exhibit hall features industry vendors and providers grouped by area of specialty. No need to seek out exhibitors for your needs – they will be gathered in designated areas excited to see you!
Ditch Witch of MN & IA 1027
Duininck Golf 1502
Dundee Nursery and Landscaping 1614
EC Grow Inc. 1306
Eco Works Supply 1307
Eden-Valders Stone 642
Exmark 925
Fairchild Equipment 310
Fischer Stone 272
ForeverLawn Minnesota 264
Fox Ridge Nursery 1511
Fredrikson 1623
Frost Inc. 643, 1304
Gardenworld, Inc. .................................... 1439
Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply 559
Goodmark Nurseries, LLC 1515
Gopher State One Call ............................. 308
Green Acres Tree Movers ..................... 1619
Greenleaf Nursery Company 1504
GreenLife Supply 1327
Greenscape Companies Inc. 464
Grove Nursery 1617
Halquist Stone 451
Happy Land Tree Farms, Inc. 1620
Hartman Companies Inc. 1305
Helds Nursery 1627
Hennen Equipment, Inc. 605
Heritage PPG 1302
HLS Outdoor 617
Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape 1606
Hotsy Minnesota 838
Hunter Industries 1100
Intrigue Media 1206
Iron Valley Equipment 523
Irrigation by Design 1323
Iseli Nursery, Inc. 1529
J&W Asphalt 509
J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. 1510
Jeff Belzer Chevrolet 444
Jireh Brick & Stone, LLC 362
John Deere - Midwest Machinery - Minnesota Equipment 429
Johnson's Nursery, Inc. 1507
Kankakee Nursery Company 1506
Keen Edge Company 901
Kichler Lighting LLC .............................. 1012
Klaus Nurseries ....................................... 1621
KX Tree Shears 228
Landscape Management Network 906
Lano Equipment, Inc. 411
Legacy-Trees LLC 1630
LTR Design 664
MAC Company 549
Magic Turf 1301
Maguire Agency 641
McHutchison 1631
Metal Pless 524
Midland Concrete Products 253
Midwest Groundcover 1415
Midwest Stihl 930
Minnesota Clean Cities Coalition 432
MN Dept.of Agriculture 647
MN State Horticultural Society 1632
MNL 1615
Monrovia 1601
MTI Distributing, Inc. 309
Mulch Ninja 333
Muskox 341
Mycorrhizal Applications 1433
Neibur Tractor & Equipment 147
Netherland Bulb Co. 1527
Norby Golf Course Design, Inc. 1406
Nordic ........................................................... 251
Northern Family Farms .........................1513
Northland Companies 452
Nuss Truck and Equipment 517
Orec America, Inc. 513
Oregon Pride Nurseries, Inc. 1512
Oscar Wilson Engine and Parts 609
Ostvig Tree Care 522
Par Aide Products Co. 1408
PBI-Gordon Corporation 1319
Peat, Inc. 109
Plaisted Companies, Inc. 105
Plantpeddler Inc. 1537
PlantRight 1628
Plants Beautiful Nursery 1514
Plehal Blacktopping LLC 1410
Prairie Restoration, Inc. 1625
Precision Organics 1412
ProGreen Synthetic Turf 366
Project 2 Payment 423
Purple Wave Auction 615
Quality Equipment 337
Rademann Stone & Landscape Co., Inc. 634
Rainbow Ecoscience 1438
Ramy Turf Products 241
RDO Equipment Co. ................................... 313
Reinders, Inc. ............................................1407
Rivard- Central Wood Products 268
RJ Hunt Seed 1618
Road Machinery & Supplies Co. 348
Rochester Concrete Products 459
Rock Hard Landscape Supply 359
RTL Equipment 349
SCP Distributors 263
Sester Farms Inc. 1609
Seykora Asphalt Maintenance and Paving 447
SiteOne Landscape Supply
January 21-23, 2025
SAINT PAUL RIVERCENTRE
Pre-Conference Sessions to be held on Jan. 20, 2025
REGISTRATION OPTIONS
PRE-REGISTER MEMBER (ON OR BEFORE JAN. 13, 20251)
Choice of PLT or Pesticide Recerticification on Monday Includes morning coffee and lunch
Tuesday Village Education & Social Event
Includes morning coffee and lunch
Thursday Village Education & Social Event
Includes morning coffee and lunch
Access to all exhibits on the Trade Show floor
Access to Trade Show Block Party on Wednesday
Access to mini-sessions on the trade show floor
Access to Ask the Expert
NORTHERN GREEN RATE LOCK
Attention Snow & Ice Management Companies: Worried about snow on show days? Try our "Snow Insurance" Rate Lock! This non-refundable $30-per-person ticket qualifies the ticket holder for pre-registration rates onsite. Plus, your $30 advance payment will be applied to the onsite registration fee. Offer only available for Northern Green on Tuesday & Thursday passes that include Village Education, and must be purchased during pre-registration dates. Offer does not apply to trade show only (TSO) passes. Choice of registration must still be selected. If ticket holder cannot attend show, the $30 payment is non-refundable.
1Register on or before Jan. 2 to receive badges in the mail. The deadline for pre-registration is Jan. 13 and all who pre-register between Jan. 3 and Jan. 13 must print a name badge at the Self Check-In Kiosk onsite.
*Group Discount: A 10% discount is available to an individual company registering 10 or more people for a 1-Day educational pass or greater. Not valid for student or trade show only passes. Valid only for pre-registration completed online with all registrants entered in one registration. Not valid with other discounts/promotions.
**This rate applies to those currently enrolled in horticulture, landscape, arboriculture, or grounds study at the high school or college level. School name must be included on the registration form and may be verified.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS NORTHERN GREEN 2025 SUPPORTERS:
