Landscape University: Meeting Continuing Education Needs Through Engaging Virtual Learning
Extension Education
Morgan Pinkerton
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Agent
UF/IFAS Extension
Sanford
Abstract
In Florida, the nursery and landscape industries generate $25.4 billion in sales and support 242,000 jobs annually, highlighting their economic significance. Many green industry professionals must hold a state pesticide and/or fertilizer license to legally apply products as part of their job duties. Depending on the type, licenses are renewed annually or every four years with requirements ranging from 4-20 continuing education units (CEUs). While COVID-19 initially drove the demand for virtual CEU opportunities, post-pandemic needs assessments confirmed the ongoing need for online extension programs specific to this audience. To meet this need, three Extension agents developed Landscape University, an annual webinar series, first launched in 2021. The program consists of weekly one-hour webinars over six weeks from January to February, aligning with the industry's slow season when professionals have more time for continuing education. Held via Zoom, the webinars provide interdisciplinary training on integrated pest management and sustainable landscaping best practices. Since its inception, Landscape University has featured topics like weed management, pollinators, pruning trees, palms, agroecology, composting, and more, all in the context of Florida landscapes. The series engaged participants through presentations, real-world case studies, poll questions, and live Q&A to accommodate diverse learning styles. Post-webinar surveys and 6-month follow-up surveys, sent via Qualtrics, were used to measure outcomes. From 2021-2025, Landscape University has engaged 1,241 live participants and issued 734 CEUs, with an additional 182 views of recordings on YouTube. In post-webinar surveys, 93.4% (733/785) of respondents increased their knowledge with an average gain of +1.21 on a 5-point scale (n=195). In 6-month follow-up surveys, 90.4% (47/52) of respondents adopted at least one learned practice since attending the webinars (i.e. properly identifying pests prior to treatment, rotating modes of action, checking environmental conditions prior to applications, etc.). The success of Landscape University demonstrates the effectiveness of virtual extension programming in delivering critical continuing education to horticulture professionals. Through interdisciplinary content, engaging virtual delivery, and impactful post-training results, the program met a critical need for accessible, quality education on sustainable landscape practices while ensuring professionals can maintain compliance with license requirements.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: Morgan Pinkerton, Hannah Eason, Brooke Moffis
-
Pinkerton, M. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County, Florida, 32773
-
Eason, H. Commercial Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, Florida, 32812
-
Moffis, B. Commercial Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Lake County, Florida, 32778