Green Industry Training

Cost- and Time-Efficient Education

A workforce development program, Green Industry Training is a series of entry-level classes in topics important to the Green Industry followed by an exam to become Nursery Worker Certified. Many local garden centers and landscape companies value this certification for their entry-level employees because the classes give participants a solid, science-based foundation to enter the Green Industry with knowledge to build upon. Green Industry Continuing Education Series classes are offered throughout the year as well.

Classes are taught by Extension, Nevada Department of Agriculture staff, and local industry professionals. They are held at the Extension office in Reno, 4955 Energy Way.

See the most recent certified Nursery Workers.

Green Industry Continuing Education Series (GICES)

The more you know, the more you grow!

Green Industry Continuing Education Series, or GICES provides current, accurate and useful information to Nevada’s Green Industry in a way that respects Green Industry members’ fast-paced schedules. Short informational sessions offer Continuing Education Units only on topics relevant to YOU.

Classes are taught by Extension, Nevada Department of Agriculture staff, and local industry professionals. They are held at the Extension office in Reno, 4955 Energy Way.

To suggest a topic please email Megan Andrews, Commercial Horticulture Program Coordinator, at meganandrews@unr.edu.

Green Industry Classes & Events

Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance at the Reno site must call or notify Megan Andrews at (775) 336-0257 or meganandrews@unr.edu at least three days prior to the scheduled class.

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Submit an event

Learn more about the program contributor(s)

Wendy Hanson Mazet

Program Leader & Contact

Megan Andrews

Program Leader

Heidi Kratsch

Program Leader

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News Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...
Almacenamiento Seguro de Pesticidas / Storing Pesticides Safely Esta publicación describe la forma correcta de almacenar los pesticidas de manera segura y cómo eliminar los pesticidas no deseados. Esta es una en una serie de 10 hojas que contienen datos sobre el Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Fisher, J. and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-20-03
Assessing Soil Quality The quality of your soil affects every facet of your landscape, from the plants that will grow to the features that can be constructed. A visual assessment of your soil quality is a good first step in designing or remodeling your landscape. Learn more about assessing soil quality in this factsheet. Hefner, M., Donaldson, S., and Skelly, J. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-17
Certified Nursery Workers, Spring 2020 Certified Nursery Worker Professional List, Spring 2020 Class Morris, C. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Bulletin
Cómo los Pesticidas entran en tu Cuerpo / How Pesticides Enter Your Body Esta publicación describe las diferentes formas en que los pesticidas pueden ingresar al cuerpo y cuales son los signos y síntomas de intoxicación por causa del uso de pesticidas. Esta es una en una serie de 10 hojas que contienen datos sobre el Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas. Hefner, M., Fisher, J., Kratsch, H., and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-20-05
Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife This fact sheet discusses ways to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife, and focuses on vertebrate animals, or animals that have a backbone. Carpenter, J., Donaldson, S., and Hefner, M. 2011, University of Nevada Extension, FS-2011-40
Desecho de Manera segura del los Pesticidas y contendores de Pesticidas / Disposing of Pesticides and Pesticide Containers Safely Esta publicación describe la forma correcta de eliminar los pesticidas y los envases que contienen pesticidas en Nevada. Este es uno de una serie de 10 hojas que contienen datos sobre el Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Fisher, J. and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-20-09
Different rose varieties need different pruning How to prune different varieties of roses. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
Disposing of Pesticides and Pesticide Containers Safely/ Desecho de Manera segura del los Pesticidas y contendores de Pesticidas This bilingual (Spanish and English) publication describes the proper way to dispose of pesticides and pesticide containers in Nevada. This is one of a series of 10 Pesticide Use and Safety/ Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas fact sheets. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Fisher, J. and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-20-09
Emergency First Aid for Pesticide Poisoning / Primeros Auxilios en caso de una Emergencia de Intoxicación de Pesticidas This bilingual (Spanish and English) publication describes emergency first aid for pesticide poisonings, emergency eye flush procedures and the worker protection standard requirements for decontamination supplies. This is one of a series of 10 Pesticide Use and Safety/ Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas fact sheets. Hefner, M., Fisher, J., Kratsch, H., and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-20-07
Enfermedades relacionadas con Calor: Síntomas, Primeros Auxilios y Prevención / Heat-Related Illnesses: Symptoms, First Aid and Prevention Esta publicación describe las 4 enfermedades principales relacionadas con el calor: insolación, agotamiento por causa del calor, calambres por el calor y sarpullido por el calor. Esta es una de una serie de 10 hojas que contienen datos sobre el Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas. Hefner, M., Fisher, J., Kratsch, H., and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS-02-06
Entrenamiento en la Seguridad de Pesticidas: Como Protegerte Mientras se Aplican los Pesticidas Video El hecho de protegerte mientras se aplican los pesticidas es muy importante. Según la Agencia a cargo de la Protección Ambiental, un pesticida es cualquier sustancia o mezcla de sustancias destinadas a prevenir, destruir o repeler cualquier plaga. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., and Harrison, D. 2020, University of Nevada, Extension, YouTube Channel
Entrenamiento en la Seguridad de Pesticidas: El Manejo Segura de Pesticidas Video En este video, hablaremos sobre el manejo seguro de pesticidas, que incluye cuatro áreas relacionadas con la seguridad: el almacenamiento adecuado de pesticidas, el transporte seguro de pesticidas, la eliminación de pesticidas que no se han utilizado y la eliminación de los contenedores que se usan para los pesticidas Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., and Harrison, D. 2020, University of Nevada, Extension, YouTube Channel
Equipo de Protección Personal / Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Esta publicación describe el Equipo de Protección Personal (Personal Protective Equipment) o PPE, cuál es el requisito mínimo de un PPE para la mayoría de los pesticidas, consejos para el uso del PPE y cómo cuidarlo. Esta es una en una serie de 10 hojas que contienen datos sobre el Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas. Hefner, M., Fisher, J., Kratsch, H., and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-20-04
Green Industry Professional’s Guide to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) A Green Industry Professional’s Guide to Integrated Pest Management is designed to help green industry personnel understand IPM and to aid in implementing a pest control plan. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension SP-17-14
How Pesticides Enter Your Body / Cómo los Pesticidas entran en tu Cuerpo This bilingual (Spanish and English) publication describes the different ways pesticides can enter the body and the signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning. This is one of a series of 10 Pesticide Use and Safety/ Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas fact sheets. Hefner, M., Fisher, J., Kratsch, H., and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-20-05
Lavado de Ropa Contaminada por Pesticidas / Cleaning Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing Esta publicación describe la manera correcta de cómo se debe limpiar la ropa contaminada con pesticidas, y al mismo tiempo cómo reducir la contaminación de pesticidas en el hogar. Esta es una en una serie de 10 hojas que contienen datos sobre el Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Fisher, J. and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheets FS-20-08
Look for QWEL-certified pros for your next landscape contract Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper is a new program to Nevada for landscape professionals to learn about irrigation principles for water-efficiency. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
Managing and Reporting Pesticide Spills / Manejo y Reporte de Derrames de Pesticidas This bilingual (Spanish and English) publication describes dealing with pesticide spills, what materials should be in a spill kit, how to dispose of spill materials and how to report a pesticide spill. This is one of a series of 10 Pesticide Use and Safety/ Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas fact sheets. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Fisher, J. and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Fact Sheet FS-20-01
Manejo y Reporte de Derrames de Pesticidas / Managing and Reporting Pesticide Spills Esta publicación describe cómo se debe tratar los derrames de pesticidas, qué materiales deben estar en un kit en caso de derrames, cómo desechar los materiales de derrame y cómo reportar un derrame de pesticidas. Esta es una en una serie de 10 hojas que contienen datos sobre el Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Fisher, J. and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-20-01
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Eurasian watermilfoil Eurasian watermilfoil is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Flowering rush Flowering rush is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Giant reed Giant reed is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Giant salvinia Giant salvinia is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Hoary cress Hoary cress is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Horsenettle Horsenettle is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Houndstongue Houndstongue is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Iberian starthistle Iberian starthistle is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Johnsongrass Johnsongrass is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Jointed goatgrass Jointed goatgrass is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Leafy spurge Leafy spurge is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Malta starthistle Malta starthistle is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Mayweed chamomile Mayweed chamomile is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Mediterranean desert knapweed Mediterranean desert knapweed is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Mediterranean sage Mediterranean sage is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Medusahead Medusahead is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Musk thistle Musk thistle is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Perennial pepperweed Perennial pepperweed is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Perennial sowthistle Perennial sowthistle is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Poison-hemlock Poison-hemlock is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Puncturevine Puncturevine is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
Nevada Nuisance Weeds Field Guide The plants listed in this field guide are nuisance weeds, those that are troublesome, but have not been listed by the state as noxious weeds. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H. 2018, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension SP-18-02
Nevada Online Pesticide Safety Course Instructions for how to navigate to and take the Nevada Online Pesticide Safety Course. Hefner, M. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno. IP
Nevada Pesticide Applicators Certification Workbook Resource for professionals studying the application of pesticides. Hefner, M., 2023, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno. SP
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) / Equipo de Protección Personal This bilingual (Spanish and English) publication describes Personal Protective Equipment or PPE, what the minimum PPE requirement is for most pesticides, tips for using PPE and how to care for PPE. This is one of a series of 10 Pesticide Use and Safety/ Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas fact sheets. Hefner, M., Fisher, J., Kratsch, H., and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-20-04
Pesticide Safety Training: Keeping Yourself Safe during Pesticide Applications Video This video discusses how pesticides enter the body, first aid for pesticide exposure, the differences between pesticide poisoning and heat-related illness, and preventing heat-related illnesses. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., and Harrison, D. 2020, University of Nevada, Extension, YouTube Channel
Pesticide Safety Training: Protecting Yourself While Applying Pesticides – Using Personal Protective Equipment Video Protecting yourself while applying pesticides is important. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy or repel any pest. Simply put, pesticides are substances intended to kill pests! Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., and Harrison, D. 2020, University of Nevada, Extension, YouTube Channel
Pets and Pesticide Use Pets are an important part of our lives. The animals that share our homes, yards and properties rely on us for protection and safety. Some pesticide products used in and around our homes, in our yards and on our lawns can harm our pets and other domestic animals if not used properly. Donaldson, S., Hefner, M., and Moses, C. 2010, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-10-06
Preparing your landscape for a vacation How to care for your landscape or garden during vacation in summer months. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal
Primeros Auxilios en caso de una Emergencia de Intoxicación de Pesticidas / Emergency First Aid for Pesticide Poisoning Esta publicación describe los primeros auxilios en caso de emergencia de las intoxicaciones por causa de pesticidas y procedimientos de enjuague de ojos en caso de emergencia. Esta es una en una serie de 10 hojas que contienen datos sobre el Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas. Hefner, M., Fisher, J., Kratsch, H., and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-02-07
Protecting Pollinators/ Protegiendo a los Polinizadores This bilingual (Spanish and English) publication describes how to protect pollinators during a pesticide application. It also describes native bees and provides additional resources for information. This is one of a series of 10 Pesticide Use and Safety/ Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas fact sheets. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Fisher, J. and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-20-10
Protegiendo a los Polinizadores / Protecting Pollinators Esta publicación describe cómo proteger a los polinizadores durante la aplicación de pesticidas. También describe a las abejas nativas y proporciona recursos adicionales para obtener mayor información. Esta es una en una serie de 10 hojas que contienen datos sobre el Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Fisher, J. and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-20-10
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pest Control Operator Many pest problems can be controlled by the homeowner using a combination of preventative measures, good sanitation and general-use pesticides. Occasionally, a pest problem becomes too large or too complex and homeowners elect to seek outside pest control assistance by hiring a pest control professional. Donaldson, S., Hefner, M., Carpenter, J., and Lawrence, L. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-10-07
Storing Pesticides Safely/ Almacenamiento Seguro de Pesticidas This bilingual (Spanish and English) publication describes the proper way to store pesticides safely and how to dispose of unwanted pesticides. This is one of a series of 10 Pesticide Use and Safety/ Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas fact sheets. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Fisher, J. and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-20-03
Transporte de Pesticidas de forma Segura / Transporting Pesticides Safely Esta publicación describe cómo se debe transportar los pesticidas de manera segura, y cómo y cuándo reportar los derrames de pesticidas. Esta es una en una serie de 10 hojas que contienen datos sobre el Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Fisher, J. and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, University of Nevada, Reno Extension Fact Sheet FS-20-02
Transporting Pesticides Safely / Transporte de Pesticidas de forma Segura This bilingual (Spanish and English) publication describes how to transport pesticides safely and how and when to report pesticide spills. This is one of a series of 10 Pesticide Use and Safety/ Uso y Seguridad de Pesticidas fact sheets. Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Fisher, J. and Schaerer, M.F. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno Fact Sheets FS-20-02
What’s blooming now? Flowers blooming in spring that are inconspicuous. Fisher, J. 2018, Reno Gazette Journal