MALP is excited to announce this year's Fall Field Day will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Co-hosted with the Massachusetts Arborists Association (MAA), this popular industry-wide event connects you with hundreds of the state’s leading landscape and tree care professionals. Fall Field Day combines specialized education with powerful networking. Last year more than 350 green industry pros attended looking for the latest trends, technology, and equipment to improve productivity and increase profitability. Our members want practical advice and hands-on demonstrations – and we’re counting on you to bring it! This September, we’re heading to the beautiful and spacious Warren Conference Center in Ashland, MA. The event will feature next level instructors, top notch education, exciting demos, lawn games, and a delicious barbecue. You do not want to miss this one!
Schedule8:00 – 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Bear LeVangie & Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll Exhibitor Displays & Demos Lawn Games 10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. - Cedar Hall 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Cedar Hall 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. - Cedar Hall 3:00 p.m. THANK YOU TO OUR |
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EDUCATION SESSIONS
10:30 AM: Practical IPM for New England Landscapes (ISA/MDAR credit available)
Phil Perron, MCA
Director of Plant Health Care
Barrett Tree Service East
If you care for trees or manage landscapes in New England, this session is for you. We’ll break down Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in a way that makes sense—what it is, why it matters, and how it can make your work more effective and sustainable. We’ll look at the tools and equipment that help you keep pests under control, from basic monitoring gear to treatment options that work. You’ll also get tips on building a strong IPM team—whether you’re hiring new staff or helping current team members grow into new roles.
Find out which techniques and products consistently get results, and which ones aren’t worth your time. We'll also show you how IPM fits into a strong Plant Health Care (PHC) program, helping you provide even more value to your clients.
You'll leave with real-world strategies you can start using right away, plus updates on industry trends, new products, and label changes you should know about. Whether you're starting fresh or looking to improve your current approach, this session will give you practical tools to succeed.
About our presenter: Phil Perron, MCA has been involved in the green industry for the past 25 years. In 2014 he joined Barrett Tree East where he is currently the Director of Plant Health Care.
12:30 PM: Sustainable Groundcover Choices
Joanne Vieira
Director of Public Gardens & Horticulture
The Trustees of Reservations
A comprehensive review of resilient groundcovers suited to a variety of challenging landscape conditions across Massachusetts. This session will guide you in selecting the right groundcovers for sun, shade, and diverse soil types. Learn about low-maintenance, climate-resilient plants that thrive in local conditions, support biodiversity, and reduce the need for water, fertilizers, or pesticides. Native species and sustainable choices that enhance ecological health while adding beauty and texture will be highlighted. Site-specific plant recommendations, strategies for dealing with dry or moisture-retentive soils, and tips for establishing and maintaining groundcovers with minimal input. Whether you're working with shaded woodland areas, sunny slopes, or coastal settings, you’ll leave with an extensive palette of options to create attractive, functional, and environmentally sensitive groundcover plantings.
About our presenter: The workshop will be led by Joann Vieira, Director of Public Gardens and Horticulture for The Trustees.
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1:30 PM: Invasive Tree & Landscape Pests of Concern (ISA & MDAR credit available) Jennifer Forman Orth Focusing on high-profile insect pests, plant diseases, and invasive plants, this session will explore key invasive threats impacting trees and landscapes in Massachusetts. Learn how to identify and manage problematic species such as the spotted lanternfly, beech leaf disease, elm zigzag sawfly, giant hogweed, and kudzu. We’ll cover how and when to report these pests, current best management practices, and practical strategies for control. Special attention will be given to understanding when pesticide use is appropriate and effective, as well as integrating non-chemical methods into a broader pest management approach. With growing concern about the spread and impact of these invaders, you will be equipped with essential knowledge to protect the health and resilience of local trees and landscapes. About our presenter: Jennifer Forman Orth is an Environmental Biologist for the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, where she works on a number of botanical and entomological issues, including insect pests, invasive plants, plant resources for pollinators, and mosquito control. |
Outdoor Classroom
Featuring Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop® Instructors
20-Minute Quick Takes
10:00 a.m.
Stretch for Safe & Healthy Workdays
Bear LeVangie
11:20 a.m.
Rope: One Pick, Two Picks, How Much More?
Kate Odell
12:40 p.m.
Friction Savers: The Line, Your Rope & You!
Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll
2:30 p.m.
Harness Fit: For Climbing Longevity
Julie Swanton
Stop by the WTCW classroom throughout the day for mini clinics on chainsaw maintenance, gear inspections, aerial rescue, first aid, and more. Learn more about the amazing WTCW team at womenstreeclimbingworkshop.com.