Coastal Bend Landscape Conference set Feb. 23 in Corpus Christi

Contact: Kevin Gibbs,  361-767-5217, Kevin.gibbs@ag.tamu.edu

CORPUS CHRISTI — Springtime is approaching quickly, and a meeting has been set up to help landscape and garden professionals and enthusiasts learn some helpful tips and techniques, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service official said.

The Coastal Bend Landscape Conference will be 8 a.m.-2:45 p.m., Feb. 23 at the Del Mar Development Center, 3209 S. Staples, Corpus Christi. Registration is $40, and includes breakfast and lunch. Reservations must be made by calling 361-767-5217 by Feb. 10.

 “The past year was filled with some challenges, extreme temperatures, excessive rain, lots of insect issues and water woes,” said Kevin Gibbs, AgriLife Extension agent in Nueces County. “This year’s topics at the conference are tailored to address many of those problems.”

Gibbs said the topics include: landscape weed control for urban gardens; diagnosing pruning and planting issues in urban trees; safeguarding storm water drains through responsible pesticide and fertilizer programs; integrated pest management strategies for urban landscapes;  growing citrus in Texas with an update on disease and insects affecting citrus; and pesticide rules and regulations updates.

“The conference is geared toward people in the landscape industry, city government, parks and recreation, sports facilities and such, but the information is valuable for homeowners as well,” Gibbs said.

 Continuing education units are available for attendees wanting to fulfill Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide licensing requirements.  
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