2026 St. Paddy's Day Pesticide CEU Day!
Schedule
Fri Mar 13 2026 at 08:00 am to 02:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County | DeLand, FL
Get your green on and earn your pesticide CEUs at the 2026 St. Paddy's Day Pesticide CEU Day - a fun and educational event for all!About this Event
2026 St. Paddy's Day Pesticide CEU Day!
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a twist at our Pesticide CEU Day! Join us at UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County for a day filled with learning and fun. Get your Continuing Education Units while enjoying the festive spirit. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge and network with fellow professionals in the industry. See you there!
An Equal Opportunity Institution.
Participation shall not be denied on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or political beliefs. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 296.26, F.S. persons needing accommodations or an interpreter to participate in the proceeding should notify University of Florida/IFAS Volusia County no later than 72 hours prior to the meeting at (386) 822-5778
Agenda
π: 08:00 AM - 08:15 AM
Part One: Registration and Introductions
π: 08:15 AM - 09:05 AM
Palm Nutrition, Fertilizer, Propagation and Soil Habitats of Palms
Host: Dr. Mica McMillan
Info: Β This presentation examines palm nutrition and fertilization practices, with additional consideration given to other ornamental species. It further explores the diversity of propagation methods and evaluates plant growth and performance across a range of landscape habitats, including sandy, wet, and highly saline soils.
π: 09:05 AM - 09:55 AM
Pesticide Exposure
Host: Susan Haddock
Info: The real-world risks faced by workers who handle chemicals as part of their daily routines. It explores how exposure occurs, the health implications tied to both acute and long-term contact, and the gaps that still exist in training and protective practices. Tips for safer workflows, stronger awareness, and a culture of prevention across the green industry.
π: 09:55 AM - 10:05 AM
Break
π: 10:05 AM - 10:55 AM
Environmental Impacts of Pesticide Use
Host: Lucas Barion de Oliveria
Info: This presentation examines how pesticide use and misuse can impact the environment, with an emphasis on factors that influence pesticide movement and persistence. Participants will learn how weather, soil type, geology, terrain, and drainage patterns affect pesticide behavior, as well as risks to water resources and non-target organisms such as wildlife and beneficial species.
π: 10:55 AM - 11:45 AM
Florida Fungi: The Diversity Hidden Beneath your Feet
Host: Dr. Matthew Smith
Info: Dr. Smith will introduce the audience to the wonderful world of fungal biology with a discussion of some of the staggering diversity of fungi on our plants and animals focusing specifically on the diversity and special species we have here in Florida.. Also, his research on Thread Blight disease caused by a new fungal plant pathogen.
π: 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch
π: 12:30 PM
Part Two: Registration
π: 12:30 PM - 01:15 PM
Sustainable Residential Landscape Project
Host: Dr. Hayk Khachatryan
Info: Hayk presents current research findings from clientele of their perceptions of landscapes in Florida, and factors that could influence the adoption of more sustainable landscape options. These factors influence plants and tactics with pesticide considerations.
π: 01:15 PM - 02:05 PM
Management Strategies for Biodiverse Landscapes
Host: Dr. Bonnie Wells
Info: Letβs explore strategies to enhance biodiversity across managed landscapes--including golf courses, parks, HOAs, and other maintained green spaces. This presentation will cover how to integrate native plants, create wildlife-friendly habitats, and implement sustainable landscape practices that support pollinators, birds, and other beneficial species. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to balance aesthetics, function, and ecological value in the spaces they manage.
CEU's will be handed out after the end of each part of the program.
Where is it happening?
UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County, 3100 East New York Avenue, DeLand, United StatesUSD 76.54












