Pro Day Eco 2026

When: January 28, 8am-noon

Where: New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive

Join us for an engaging Pro Day Eco event featuring four expert presentations on sustainable landscaping and integrated pest management. This is a must-attend event for professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and skills in eco-friendly practices.

County and State Government Employees Attend at No Cost!
To claim your free ticket, please email YWZtZWFkIHwgbmNzdSAhIGVkdQ== for a promo code.

Pesticide CEUs will be available - 4 L:N:D:X

Class Agenda:

Identifying and Promoting Beneficial Arthropods
Instructor: Matt Bertone
Class Description: This class introduces key beneficial arthropods that support Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Participants will learn to identify common predators, parasitoids, and pollinators, understand their role in natural pest control, and explore practices that conserve these species. Emphasis is placed on using biological control and making informed pesticide decisions that protect beneficial organisms.
About the instructor: Dr. Matt Bertone is an entomologist who specializes in arthropod biodiversity, taxonomy, and systematics. He is the diagnostic entomologist and director of the NC State Plant Disease and Insect Clinic at North Carolina State University, where he identifies arthropods for clients and trains extension personnel on insect identification. Matt is also an avid macro photographer, taking images for both professional purposes and for pleasure.

Managing Soil Organic Matter for Improved Landscape Health
Instructor: Matt Collogan
Class Description: Discover how building soil organic matter can transform landscape health. Learn proven and practical techniques to reduce irrigation, compaction, fertilizer use and stormwater runoff—while boosting plant resilience, water infiltration, and long-term soil stability. From simple practices like compost topdressing to cover cropping, this module offers research-based methods to enrich biodiversity and create vibrant landscapes that thrive with fewer chemical applications.
About the instructor: Matt Collogan is the Area Natural Resources Agent with NC Cooperative Extension, serving Brunswick, Pender, and New Hanover Counties. He specializes in sustainability, composting, and community-based environmental education. Matt leads initiatives that support waste reduction, soil health, and resilient landscapes, and provides practical, research-based guidance to homeowners, municipalities, and local organizations.

Managing Invasive Plants
Instructor: Gabriella de Souza
Class Description: This class will clarify what truly defines an invasive species and outline how these plants disrupt Southeastern North Carolina’s landscapes impacting biodiversity, soil and water resources, maintenance costs, and long-term site performance. Participants will gain practical guidance on the most effective mechanical, chemical, and biological control strategies, including timing, and application considerations. The session will also highlight best management practices for some of the most problematic regional species such as kudzu, running bamboo, Japanese honeysuckle, stiltgrass, Chinese privet, mimosa, and Chinese tallow.
About the instructor: Gabriella de Souza, M.S., serves as the Consumer Horticulture Agent & Extension Master Gardener℠ Program Coordinator with N.C. Cooperative Extension in New Hanover County. She leads research‑based programs in sustainable gardening, ecological landscaping, and horticultural science, and oversees volunteer outreach through the Extension Master Gardener program.

Waterwise by Design: Sustainable Landscaping and IPM
Instructor: Amy Mead
Class Description: This class provides practical strategies for creating landscapes that conserve water while supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Participants will learn how plant selection, soil improvement, mulching, and efficient irrigation reduce plant stress and vulnerability to pests. The session highlights how healthy, well-adapted landscapes minimize the need for chemical inputs, promote natural pest suppression, and support long-term environmental stewardship.
About the instructor: Amy Mead is the County Extension Director for NC Cooperative Extension and Director of the New Hanover County Arboretum. She specializes in coastal plant ecology, water quality, and sustainable landscaping, assisting municipalities, HOAs, and residents with stormwater management, aquatic weeds, and coastal landscapes. An ISA-certified Arborist, Amy is passionate about native trees, urban forestry, and proper tree care.

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