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Webinars
 

Welcome to the PGMS® Webinar Series!

PGMS® is dedicated to providing our members with the relevant education they need to stay at the forefront of industry trends and grow both personally and professionally. 

The Society provides members with six complimentary webinars each year (one hour in length), held the third Wednesday of every other month at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. Non-members may register at $35/per webinar. 

Each webinar meets one of the four School of Grounds Management (SGM) core competences: Human Resource Management, Business and Finance Management, Technical Management - Horticulture and Technical Management - Non-Horticulture. Enrolled SGM individuals can earn one credit per live webinar toward obtaining the Certificate. For more information on the School of Grounds Management Certificate Program click here.

Are you PGMS® Certified Grounds Manager® (CGM®) or a PGMS® Certified Grounds Technician (CGT)? If so, you can earn one CEU per live webinar toward your recertification (5 total Live Webinar CEUs per submission cycle.)

Interested in presenting a webinar? Simply complete the PGMS® Speaker Proposal form here . 

2024 Webinars

To Register, click on the Webinar name, or visit the full PGMS® Calendar of Events here.

January 17, 2024

Become a Pollinator Champion: How to Transform Unused Space into Healthy Habitat for Pollinators, People, and Planet.
Sam Jennings, Beekeeper & Sales Manager - The Best Bees Company
1:00pm-2:00pm ET
Technical Management

 

March 20, 2024
How To Grow Yourself In the Field
Panel Discussion
Brad Barbee, CGM, Plant Operations/Grounds Manager, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Chris Weavil, CGM, Director, Forsyth County Parks & Recreation Department
Hyra Johnson, Superintendent Landscape Services, Duke University
Matt Partain, CGM, Landscape Superintendent, Glenstone
1:00pm-2:00pm ET
People, Leadership and Culture

 

May 15, 2024
Introduction to Tree Risk Management
Jim Jenkins, Board Certified Master Arborist - Davey Resource Group, Inc.

This Tree Risk Management online seminar is designed to equip arborists, tree care professionals, and environmental specialists with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, mitigate, and manage risks associated with trees. Participants will delve into the principles of tree risk assessment, identification of common defects, and the application of both visual and quantitative assessment techniques. The online seminar also covers strategies for promoting tree health, disease management, and emergency response planning.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the fundamentals of tree risk management and its significance in urban forestry.
2. Learn practical arboricultural techniques for risk reduction, including proper tree pruning, cabling, and bracing.
3. Explore advanced assessment methods, such as quantitative risk assessment, to enhance decision-making processes.
1:00pm-2:00pm ET
Technical Management

 
July 17, 2024
Jim Carse, The University of Texas at Austin

This webinar will give an overview of how trees have been inventoried through the years, and where we go next at the University of Texas.  Examples of the pros and cons and lessons learned will be provided.
Learning Objectives: 
1. Webinar attendees will learn about the importance of mapping and  categorizing trees.
2. Attendees will learn about the new technologies used to inventory trees and gain an understanding of trees as assets.
1:00pm-2:00pm ET
Financial and Program Management

 
September 18, 2024
Horticultural Zombies! Myths That Will Not Die
Linda Chalker-Scott, PhD, Professor and Extension Urban Horticulturist - Washington State University
In this seminar, we’ll look at sources of information, how to evaluate that information, and then assess some common products and practices. Generally, gardening products and practices that aren’t recommended fall into one of four categories: 1) Science doesn’t support; 2) Misapplied science (agricultural production); 3) Overextrapolation of efficacy; and 4) Biased reporting of results. Finally, we’ll consider correlation vs. causation in assessing whether a product or practice truly causes an effect – or whether it’s just a spurious correlation. 
Learning Objectives: 
1. Learn how to apply objective criteria to analyze the credibility of information.
2. Make informed decisions on what horticultural products and practices are science-based.
3. Avoid assuming cause and effect from some product, practice, or phenomenon (in other words, not conflating correlation to causation)
1:00pm-2:00pm ET
Technical Management

Approved for ISA CEUs


November 20, 2024
Good Bugs/Bad Bugs
Dr. Kris Braman, Professor and Entomology Department Head - University of Georgia
Beneficial Insects might sound like an oxymoron but these tiny but mighty creatures can provide valuable pest control and pollination services. Come get familiar with the major important groups and learn how to attract, protect and put them to work for you.
Learning Objectives: 
1. Discover the incredible diversity of insect “heroes” in managed landscapes.
2. Learn to tell friend from foe in the sometimes secret world of insects
3. Acquire the tools to attract and conserve these tiny but mighty insects that provide pest control and pollination services
1:00pm-2:00pm ET

Technical Management
Approved for ISA CEUs

 

2023 Webinars

To Register, click on the Webinar name, or visit the full PGMS® Calendar of Events here.

January 18, 2023

What It Takes to Have Green Star Award Winning Grounds - Panel Discussion
Panel: Jeff Schneider, CGM Deputy Director of Smithsonian Gardens (Washington, DC)
Roger Conner, CGM Superintendent Tree Management at Duke University (Durham, NC)
Mike Mastrota, Landscape Architect at American University (Washington, DC)
Bill Quade, Landscape Manager at The Biltmore Estate (Asheville, NC)
Anthony Williams, CGM, CGCS, Director of Golf and Landscape Operations at The Sports Club of Las Colinas (Dallas, TX)
Peter Reimnitz, Director of Grounds, Murray State University managed by SSC Services for Education (Murray, KY)
1:00pm-2:00pm ET
Business and Financial Management

 

March 15, 2023
Electric vs. Gas, Don't Get Zapped: The True Cost of Gas vs. Electric
Brandon Haley, CGM, Senior Project Manager - Sustainability and Grounds for SSC Services for Education
1:00pm-2:00pm ET
As we continue to move towards electrifying our mowing and small engine fleets, there are more options available to managers than ever before. This presentation will cut through the marketing to give you the tools needed to make the best financial decision for your operation. We will dive into the infrastructure needed to switch to electric, the labor workflow changes you will need to make, and give you the financial skills needed to know what it really costs to own a piece of equipment. Learn how to decipher your options and your numbers in this all-encompassing look at electrifying your fleet.
- Learn what is involved to switch your fossil fuel landscape management fleet to electric;
- Discover the true cost of ownership for both fossil fuel and electric equipment;
- Learn the labor workflow changes necessary for success with electric equipment;
- Get the tools needed to determine your Break Even Point for equipment decisions.

Business and Financial Management

May 17, 2023
Starting Your GIS Program for Grounds Management
Melissa Boffa, Senior GIS Project Manager, SSC Services for Education
1:00pm-2:00pm ET
Technical Management -  Non-Horticulture 

 
July 19, 2023
Tree Management Plans for the Landscape
Art Morris, Board-Certified Master Arborist, New Urban Forestry, LLC

1:00pm-2:00pm ET
Technical Management - Horticulture

 
September 20, 2023
The Only Fair Thing in Life is a Ball Hit Between First and Third
Jeffrey T. Fowler, Extension Coordinator - Horticulture, Penn State Extension
1:00pm-2:00pm ET
Human Resource Management

November 15, 2023
Best Practices for the Maintenance of Interlocking Concrete Pavers
Robert Bowers, Vice President of Engineering Hardscapes for the Concrete Masonry and Hardscape Association (CMHA) 
1:00pm-2:00pm ET

 

2022 Webinars

To Register, click on the Webinar name, or visit the full PGMS® Calendar of Events here.

January 19, 2022

GIS Data and Grounds Management : A Supplier's Perspective- TREEKEEPER® Software & How The Collection of Data Helps Manage Business
Josh Behounek, Davey Resource Group
1:00pm-2:00pm EST
Business and Financial Management

 

March 16, 2022
Caladiums and Augers - Making Your Life Easier
Chad Harrison, Abbot Ipco / Classic Caladiums
1:00pm-2:00pm EDT
Technical - Horticulture

May 18, 2022
Invasive Insects of Different Regions And How To Address Them In Your Landscape
Patrick Anderson
1:00pm-2:00pm EDT
Technical Management -  Non-Horticulture 

 
July 13, 2022
Christine Carmichael, Ph.D., Founder & Principal, Fair Forests Consulting, LLC
1:00pm-2:00pm EDT
Human Resource Management

September 21, 2022
How Your College or University Can Be Recognized As A Tree Campus Through The Arbor Day Foundation
Logan Donahoo, Business Innovation Analyst, Arbor Day Foundation
1:00pm-2:00pm EDT
Technical Management - Horticulture

November 16, 2022
How To Manage Employee Turnover and Improve Employee Retention 
Adam Scheffe, Director, Human Resources and Dave Jones, Senior HR Business Partner from Purdue University  
1:00pm-2:00pm EST
Human Resource Management

 

2021 Webinars 

January 20, 2021
Caladiums In The Landscape
Nelson Darden, Abbott-IPCO, Inc.
1:00pm-2:00pm EST
Technical Management - Horticulture
 
January 28, 2021
Open To All Members: Western Washington Branch Webinar - "Turf Management-Doing More With Less"
11:00am-12:00pm PST
Technical Management - Horticulture

February 4, 2021
Dr. Wei Zhang, Co-Founder, Tree Diaper by Zynnovation, LLC
Dan Whitehead, HortSource
1:00pm-2:00pm EST
Technical Management - Horticulture

May 19, 2021
Doing More With Less in Successful Grounds Management
Dr. Michael Goatley, PhD, MS, BS, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech
1:00pm-2:00pm EST
Technical Management – Horticulture

July 21, 2021
Insight and Overview for Certified Arborist Preparation
Lindsey Purcell, Urban Forestry Specialist, Purdue University
1:00pm-2:00pm EST
Technical Management - Non-Horticulture

September 15, 2021
Presenting Your Data More Effectively
Bobbi Nance, CPRP, President, Recreation Results, LLC
1:00pm-2:00pm EST
Business and Financial Management

November 17, 2021
Communication, Training & Planning: The "Big Three" When Managing Snow & Ice - A Continued Discussion
Panel from Purdue University  
1:00pm-2:00pm EST
Technical Management - Non-Horticulture

 

2020 Webinars


January 22, 2020
The Role of the Efficient Use of Water and Energy in a Sustainable Landscape
Warren Gorowitz, CLIA, EMSL and Lynda Wightman of Hunter Industries
Technical Management – Horticulture

March 18, 2020
Partnering with Procurement: How to Ensure Successful Outcomes
Cory Harms with Iowa State University
Business and Finance Management

May 20, 2020
Surviving and Thriving in Tough Times
Dennis McIntee, Keynote Speaker, Author, Consultant
Human Resource Management

“Week of Webinars”
July 13,2020 -Lithium Ion Battery Basics
Peter Arendt and Jack Gust with Toro’s Center for Technology, Research and Innovation (CTRI) and Chris Vogtman with Toro’s Residential Landscape Contractor Group
Technical Management – Non-Horticulture
 
July 14, 2020 - Disaster Planning: What Spring Meadow Nursery Learned from a Nursery Fire and How They Used it During the Pandemic
Jane Beggs-Joles with Proven Winners/Spring Meadow Nursery
Business and Finance Management

July 15, 2020 - All About Teak Wood
Dana Goldstein with Country Casual Teak
Technical Management – Horticulture

July 16, 2020 - COVID-19: A Conversation with CDC and OSHA
Barbara M. Alexander, PhD, PE, CIH with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NIOSH CDC), Jessica Schifano, JD, MPH and Chris Brown, PhD, MPH, CPH with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Human Resource Management

September 16, 2020
Leading Your Leader
Steve Keating, CME, CSE with The Toro Company
Human Resource Management

PGMS® 2020 Grounds Management Summit Webinar Series

October 7, 2020- Predictably Human: Developing  a Risk Competent Workforce
Joe Estey – Principle Performance Improvement Specialist, Lucas Engineering & Management Services
Human Resource Management

October 14, 2020 - Grounds Management Budgeting
George G. Bernardon – Vice President of Grounds Management, SSC Services for Education
Business and Financial Management

October 21, 2020 - Smart Irrigation – Can Technology Make Our Jobs Easier and Improve Our Landscapes?
Warren Gorowitz – Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Hunter Industries
Technical Management – Non-Horticulture 

October 28, 2020 - Using the Landscape Management Guidelines (Book Taskforce)
Ryan McCaughey, CGM, CSFM – Manager of Landscape and Equipment, The Pennsylvania State University, Kevin Mercer, CGM, CSFM – Grounds Manager, Denison University, Sandra Obenour-Dowd – Grounds Superintendent, The University of Arizona, Brandon Haley, CGM – Project Manager – Grounds, SSC Services for Education, Roger Conner, CGM – Superintendent Tree Management, Duke University
 Business and Financial Management

November 4, 2020 - Leasing vs. Buying vs. Renting Equipment
Lynn Novak – Finance Integration Manager, John Deere
Business and Financial Management 

November 11, 2020 - Sustainability Panel Discussion 
Ryan McCaughey, CGM, CSFM – Manager of Landscape and Equipment, The Pennsylvania State University, Kevin Mercer, CGM, CSFM – Grounds Manager, Denison University, Meg Smolinski – Outreach Coordinator, University of Maryland, College Park, Anthony Williams, CGM – Director of Golf and Landscape Operations, Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas
Technical Management – Horticulture 

November 18, 2020 - The Risk of Repetitive Injuries Among Winter Workers
Mary Abbott, PhD, RN, MSF – Owner / Manager, Mow Beta! Mowing & Snowplowing
Human Resource Management

December 2, 2020 - Using Perennials in the Landscape
Josh Roggenbuck, CGIP – Regional Product Manager, Walter Gardens / Proven Winners
Technical Management – Horticulture  

December 9, 2020 - Managing Trees During Construction: Best Management Practices
Chad M. Rigsby –  Research Scientist & Technical Support Specialist, The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories
Technical Management – Horticulture 

December 16, 2020- Modern Tools for Managing Trees & Assets
Ian Hanou – CEO & Founder, PlanIT Geo
Business and Financial Management

 

 

How COVID-19 is Impacting Grounds Operations: Panel Discussion

PGMS®: COVID-19 Panel Discussion. Join members of the PGMS® Board of Directors as they discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on hospital, K-12, and university grounds operations.

Topics of discussion include:

  • Workforce morale
  • Remote working
  • Sanitization
  • Re-acclimating the workforce when work is able to resume
PDF of Presentation

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