Our hope is that through this type of training, fertilizer and pesticide runoff from homeowners will be reduced.

With more homes being built, there will be more homeowners using fertilizers and pesticides on their lawns and gardens. The best way to reach the public about how to properly use these materials is through the places they purchase the products.

The class is designed for employees of businesses that sell fertilizer and pesticides. The training will provide increased knowledge in pest identification and management as well as basic horticultural training.

When the weather turns nice, folks go out and purchase fertilizer without much thought to what they are applying. Without a soil test it is easy to over apply nutrients, like phosphorus, that end up in our local streams and rivers.

It is important that a good sales staff know which product works on what pest. It is also important for retailers to know when to recommend good cultural practices. Not every problem in the home landscape can be cured from a pesticide bottle.

I'm hopeful about downtown. I hope that the plans that have been put in place will occur quickly.