2026 Fall Pesticide Application Courses

Registration Fees

Pesticide Core Review Course: $30 Member/$40 Non-Member  (add Core book for additional $40)
Pesticide Application for Trees: $20 Member/$25 Non-Member
Pesticide Application for Turf: $20 Member/$25 Non-Member

2026 Pesticide Application Courses

Pesticide Application Practices for Turf, at Schools, Parks and Public Spaces
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Pesticide Core Review Course
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Pesticide Application Practices for Trees, at Schools, Parks and Public Spaces
Friday, September 18, 2026, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

ABOUT THE COURSES
These courses are ideal for staff and supervisors who are pesticide operators, future applicators or want to learn more about Integrated Pest Management (IPM), proper pesticide selection, and the safe storage, mixing, and application of pesticides. Geared towards fall season issues and topics, the courses will focus on best practices, safety and responsible use. A must for all who work in and around parks, schools and public spaces. 

FOR FULL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS, HIT THE "REGISTER FOR EVENT" BUTTON AND VIEW THE PROGRAM ITEMS BELOW.

Registration Instructions: READ CAREFULLY
To register, select the "Register for Event" button to the right.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page, and select which courses you are registering for under the "Program" header
Then, select "Check Out & Confirm Registration" or "Proceed to Checkout"
You must have your own unique email address to access these courses.

Join The Maintenance Institute and other park and public space managers as we examine topics such as:
Special concerns for school grounds and public places
Identification of common diseases
Tree and insect Identification
Integrated Pest Management
Proper pesticide selection, application and timing
Seasonal and regional issues
Caring for ornamentals
Annual maintenance
Turf management schedules

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Parks and Public Works Professionals and Personnel
Operators and Caretakers of public spaces at Hotels, Churches, Campgrounds, and Resorts
School maintenance staff and supervisors
Park Foreman and Supervisors
Recreation Directors
Land managers
Outdoor volunteers
Township Supervisors/ Directors
Public Works Managers / Directors
State outdoor agencies

OUR PRESENTERS

Tim Abbey is an Educator for PSU Extension with specialties in entomology, horticulture, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). His responsibility is to educate nursery and landscape care professionals on managing tree and ornamental plant pests using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. He also coordinates educational programs focused on pest management, tree care, and other horticultural topics. He holds a BS in Biology/Ecology and an MS in Entomology.

Jeff Fowler is a retired Senior Extension Educator of Horticulture specializing in turf management from Penn State Extension. He spent 36 years working at Penn State and now runs his own business. At Penn State, Jeff focused on visiting field managers and helping them to make wise choices with their limited resources. He earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) from Delaware Valley College and his Master of Education (MEd) from Penn State University. In 2019, he was presented the Fowler's Founders Award by the Keystone Athletic Field Managers Association (KAFMO) in recognition of his unselfish commitment to excellence in education, athletic field management, and professionalism in the Pennsylvania sports turf industry. Jeff has been a volunteer on the grounds crew for the Little League World Series since 1996 and is the volunteer field manager for his local league. He has been teaching Pesticide Safety for his entire career at Penn State.

Dan Hendey
serves as the Director of the Maintenance Institute and has been the Education Manager for the PA Recreation and Parks Society since 2019. He has over 24 years of experience developing curriculum and teaching students of all backgrounds. Dan holds degrees in business, education, and recreation along with certifications as a pesticide applicator, park executive and pool operator.

Todd Roth
has been the Aquatics Supervisor at Centre Region Parks and Recreation since 2002 and has been working in the aquatics industry since 1989. He is a certified recreation professional and has been teaching core and pool pesticide courses for over 10 years. In his free time, Todd enjoys coaching water polo and trail races.

Not a member of PRPS? Join now and save on this registration, plus receive discounts on all future training events, current industry news, networking opportunities, professional development scholarships, resources, and more. Visit www.prps.org/membership to view the full list of member benefits.

CANCELLATION POLICY
PRPS will refund your registration, less a $15 processing fee, if your cancellation is received in writing more than 10 business days prior to the event. No refunds will be given for cancellations occurring less than 10 business days prior to an event. Substitute attendees are welcome in lieu of cancellations; please contact the PRPS office to arrange this.

To Register:
1: Sign in or create a new account.
2: Select registration options below.
3: Add course selections to your itinerary
4: Proceed to checkout to complete transaction
When
9/2/2026 9:00 AM - 9/18/2026 11:00 AM
Eastern Daylight Time
Registration
Sign in or create an account to register
Registration ends 9/18/2026 12:00 AM EDT

Program

Wednesday, 02 September 2026

Description
Join Jeff Fowler for this informative session on turf and turf diseases. Jeff will provide participants with information and instruction on how to identify common turf issues. Along with identification, we will explore remediation techniques and how local environments can affect turf. Whether you're managing sports fields, school play areas, or park landscapes, this class will help you correctly identify turf issues and make the proper adjustments. Registered applicators will receive 4 Cat 7 and 4 Cat 23 Credits for attending. Two hours of continuing education (.2 CEUs) is also available.
Time
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
9:00 AM

Thursday, 10 September 2026

Description
This course is designed for those who need a thorough review of the proper handling and use of pesticides. Based on the PA Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual, the session will cover topics such as applicable pesticide laws, transportation and storage, personal protective equipment (PPE), pesticide formulations, IPM, and application concerns such as drift, water, and exposure. This course is an ideal refresher and an excellent review for those studying for the core exam. Purchase of the core book is optional. Registered applicators will receive 6 Core Credits for attending. Three hours of continuing education (.3 CEUs) are also available.
Time
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
9:00 AM

Friday, 18 September 2026

Description
Tim Abbey is on hand to assist park and school grounds managers in caring for their native and ornamental trees. This session will begin with an overview of ornamental and native pests using pictures and common damage patterns. We will also explore common tree health issues caused by insects and disease, and how to identify them. Along with information regarding their cause and effect, Tim will provide participants with ideas, techniques and applications to combat these insects and diseases. Registered applicators will receive 4 Cat 6 and 4 Cat 23 credits for attending. Two hours of continuing education (.2 CEUs) is also available.
Time
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
9:00 AM