Grow ME Green Expo 2020

 Schedule:

7:30 am - 8:30 am Registration & Continental Breakfast    Main Lobby

8:00 am   Grow Maine Green Expo Trade Show Floor Opens  

9:00 am - 10:15 am   Dr. Paul Cappiello Androscoggin-Aroostook-Cumberland Room 

Executive Director, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, Crestwood, Kentucky

Keynote - “New plants and new approaches: where is all this stuff going?”

We are in a new golden age of plants in the US and overseas - the pace of new plant introduction is greater now than any other time in our history. Trying to deal with that is tough enough not to mention the dizzying changes in lifestyle and information dissemination. Climate change anyone?!  Where are new plants going?  How do I access a new generation of gardeners?  What will this industry look like in 20 years? We may not answer all these questions but we'll at least have a vigorous conversation.

10:15 am - 10:30 am   Break, exhibitor viewing      Paul Poulin Auditorium

10:30 am - 11:30 am        Gary Fish Androscoggin-Aroostook-Cumberland Room 

State Horticulturist, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry  

Seminar – “Green Professionals – Keystones to Slowing the Spread of Invasive Species"  

Every day it seems my inbox has messages about a new invasive species to worry about. Unfortunately 2019 seemed to be a banner year for new finds. You are the educated eyes and ears that work throughout our state. We rely on you to help us monitor for invasive species and to help slow their spread through best management practices that include everything from keeping your equipment clean to the proper use of pesticides. Gary will give an update on new and existing invasive species in Maine and how you can help reduce the impacts from those invaders.

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11:30 am – Noon  Break, exhibitor viewing  Paul Poulin Auditorium

Noon to 1:30 pm     Lunch     North Wing, 2nd floor 

12:30 pm – 1:20 pm    MAA Recognition Awards & MELNA Recognition Awards

1:30 pm  TRADE SHOW RESUMES, exhibitor viewing, CASH BAR   Paul Poulin Auditorium

1:30 pm – 2:25 pm     MELNA Annual Business Meeting    Lincoln-Oxford Room

1:30 pm – 2:25 pm MAA Annual Business Meeting  Androscoggin-Aroostook-Cumberland Room

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Trooper Shane Northrup Androscoggin-Aroostook-Cumberland Room    Maine  State Police    

Seminar – “Commercial Vehicles, Transportation and Safety"  

Trooper Northrup will discuss topics such as: Authority to Stop vs regular Officer, Weight Laws, CDL Vehicles, Difference and time between Level 1, 2 and 3 inspections, Are you allowed Alcohol, Drugs or Weapons in a CMV?, Marijuana Legal in Maine but not recognized by the Feds so still illegal, OUI-Zero Tolerance, Cell phone texting and handheld, Distracted Driving, Eating, Drinking makeup etc., Seatbelts, Load Securement Regulations currently in Effect and more! 

3:15 pm – 4:00 pm    Fruit & Drinks on Trade Show Floor    Paul Poulin Auditorium

4:00 pm    Trade Show Floor Closes  Paul Poulin Auditorium

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm    Nancy Olmstead Androscoggin-Aroostook-Cumberland Room 

Invasive Plant Biologist, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry  

Seminar – “Plants Out of Place: Invasive Plant Ecology, ID, and Management "  

Invasive plants can take over natural habitats as well as managed yards and designed landscapes. Come learn why these plants are damaging, how to identify some of the newer invasive plants in Maine, techniques for their successful management, and resources available to help.

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5:00 pm   Grow Maine Green Expo Ends

Pesticide Applicator Credits; ISA CEU’s; SAF Credits; 5 MELNA Certification CEU’s