This education program will introduce youth and young adults (ages 16-30) to the field of ecology-based landscape practice, followed by networking with local landscape professionals.

The Caterpillar Lab will present a photograph and video packed talk that explores the nighttime world of caterpillars, moths, and how to find them. Join us to learn how we can explore our own backyard habitats through the eyes of a moth, using UV and special light traps to uncover a whole new perspective. This special lecture will include time to meet a few special caterpillar specimens up close, and chat with Caterpillar Lab educators about all things local caterpillar. In-person attendees will also get to try out blacklight flashlights!

Under the tutelage of CT NOFA Soil Health Program Manager, Monique Bosch, Soil Health 3-Ways participants will attend three virtual classes (via Zoom) that cover the three main properties of soil – physical, chemical, and biological – in the lead-up to an in-person, practical application class. This 4-class course is intended for both commercial farmers and home gardeners to help them work with nature to produce healthy plants and nutrient-dense food.

Join Landscape Designer Larry Weaner and native plant expert Ian Caton on a deep dive into the integration of restoration ecology and garden design. From technical instruction to personal anecdotes in this on-demand virtual course, Larry and Ian share over 70 years of combined experience on the fine points of designing, planting, and managing ecology-based landscapes.

UMass Extension’s Green School is a comprehensive 60+ hour certificate short course that offers fundamental land care skills training in a compact time frame. The program is designed for professional practitioners such as landscapers, lawn care providers, nursery operators, public and private grounds managers, arborists, professional gardeners, landscape and garden designers, industry sales and support professionals, and others in the green industries. Both experienced professionals as well as those new to the industry will benefit from this course.

Theme: From Awareness to Action: Strengthening Our Response to Invasive Plants

Join us for Rooted in Place: The Living Forest, an engaging day of conversation, learning, and exploration focused on the remarkable ecological, cultural, and community connections that make forests essential to our lives. From carbon storage and climate resilience to tree health, forest management and the remarkable relationships between species, this symposium brings together ecologists, foresters, educators, and land stewards to explore what makes a forest a living, interconnected system and how we can become better stewards of it.

CT NOFA's 45th annual winter conference will be taking place March 13, 2027, at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. It will be preceded by 3 days of virtual workshops, March 9-11, and will include a dedicated Organic Land Care workshop track.