Smithsonian Institution Horticulture Services
Division In-Service Training

For the past sixteen years, the Smithsonian’s Horticulture Services Division (HSD) has sponsored a series of training sessions geared toward professional staff development and outreach to the greater public garden community. These sessions, known as In-Service Training, have been a tremendously important component of HSD’s efforts to engage in best practices and cutting-edge technologies as well as education and outreach in the field of public horticulture.

What began as an efficient and economical way of offering training to HSD staff has grown into an event which brings together over 100 staff and volunteers from a multitude of public gardens in the greater Washington area. This opportunity for networking and collaboration among agencies has become as important as the actual trainings themselves in terms of providing a forum for individuals to discuss new techniques, opportunities, and trend shifts within the horticultural world. This training program supports the Smithsonian’s mission concerning the increase and diffusion of knowledge at the same time it ensures that all of us continue to work more efficiently, safely, and prudently in a field where new science and technology constantly changes the landscape. In a world where green spaces are becoming harder to find and overdevelopment threatens the environment, public gardens and gardening in general have never been so important to our collective well-being.

For any of you who are interested in learning more about the fascinating world of plants and how we can each make a difference through gardening and environmental stewardship, the Horticulture Services Division invites you to attend one or more of the 2010 In-Service Training sessions. Diverse topics ranging from plant exploration and conservation to integrated pest management will be featured. Who knows, you may find yourself volunteering or otherwise getting involved as HSD continues to enrich the Smithsonian experience through exceptional gardens, horticultural exhibits, collections, and education.

What : Horticulture Services Division In Service Training (Weekly Horticulture-related Seminars ). 2 seminars with a networking session before the first talk. To see the full program visit :http://ofeo.si.edu/offices/ofmr/mss/horticulture/docs/2010%20Winter%20In-ServiceTraining%20Program.pdf .

When : 8:00 - 12:00 Wednesdays February 3,10,17,24 & March 3,10

Where :  National Zoological Park, Visitor Center Auditorium (Free Parking in Lots A & B)

Open to : All Smithsonian Institution staff and volunteers. Staff and volunteers of public horticulture organizations.

Cost : Free

Registration : Registration is required. Call 202-633-5860 or email gardens@si.edu .

Additional Information : Visit http://ofeo.si.edu/offices/ofmr/mss/horticulture/index_hort.asp for more information about Horticulture Services Division.

For further information on this message contact:  Jonathan Kavalier, Horticulture Services Division, x35031 (VoIP), 202-633-5031 (non-VoIP), kavalierj@si.edu.