"The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only as a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity... and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself." ~ William Blake
Article XI of the Virginia Constitution, in Section 1, entitled "Conservation", states that it "shall be the Commonwealth's policy to protect its atmosphere, lands, and waters from pollution, impairment, or destruction, for the benefit, enjoyment, and general welfare of the people of the Commonwealth."
Garden Club of the Middle Peninsula and The Garden Club of the Northern Neck Conservation Symposium
Date: November 19, 2019, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Place: Marston Hall, Christchurch School, 49 Seahorse Lane, Christchurch, VA 23031
Program: The Impact of Pesticides on our Health, Pollinators, Environment and Food. The Garden Club of the Middle Peninsula and The Garden Club of the Northern Neck are hosting a conservation symposium concerning pesticides. Plan to come at 9:30 a.m. to enjoy coffee and look at displays. The Honorable Tayloe Murphy will make opening remarks at 10 a.m. The symposium is open to the public and all are welcome to join us.
9:30 – 10:00
Please enjoy coffee while visiting with vendors and viewing displays.
10:00 – 10:15
Opening Remarks
Speaker: Honorable Tayloe Murphy
10:15 – 11:00
“PESTICIDES...in commercial agriculture...THEN TO NOW”
Speaker: Paul Bodenstine
11:00 – 11:30
“Overview of EPA’s Pesticide Program and the Process for Evaluating and Communicating Human Health Risks”
Speaker: Wynne Miller
11:30 - 12:15
“Solitary Bees: How We Can Help Support These Single Moms”
Speaker: Tim McCoy
Speakers: Paul Bodenstine, a Certified Professional Agronomist, is well-known by the local farming community. His presentation will cover the nature and properties of pesticides, both natural and synthetic, and includes the decision process on how we use pesticides in agriculture. Mr. Bodenstine will convey the importance of soil and growing conditions on plant health and the significance of GMOs in today’s farming community.
Wynne Miller is the Acting Deputy Office Director for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs. She will discuss the EPA’s pesticide program and its process for evaluating and communicating human health risks.
Tim McCoy is an extension associate in the Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs where he develops pesticide safety educational materials focused on protecting non-target species. He has been a member of the VT Entomology Department for 16 years and has worked on the management of a diverse range of urban pests to include cockroaches, ants, termites, and bed bugs. Tim will discuss pesticide safety and general biology information in relation to native pollinators.
Blenheim Organic Gardens, Dayspring Farm and Windhaven Flower Farm will be present or have displays of their organic crops. You are invited to grab a cup of coffee while you enjoy the displays.
BLENHEIM ORGANIC GARDENS is part of Blenheim Farm, a 400-acre farm long associated with the George Washington family in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Since 2000, Becky and Lawrence Latane have been growing USDA certified organic vegetables, flowers, fruits and herbs. They are a family farm where sustainable agriculture, wildlife conservation and satisfied customers are their top priorities.
DAYSPRING FARM is located in the beautiful countryside of King and Queen County. It produces a large variety of fruits and vegetables using practices of natural fertilization and environmentally safe pest control. The 18-acre farm is owned by Charlie and Miriam Maloney and their four children.
WIND HAVEN FARMS, located in Syringa, Virginia, is a small, cut flower farm owned by Jenny and Paul Maloney. They farm 3 acres to bring flowers to local florists, grocers and CSA programs.
DAVIS PRODUCE of New Kent County will offer pumpkins, gourds and melons. They are involved in small grain research for Virginia Tech.
Date: November 19, 2019, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Place: Marston Hall, Christchurch School, 49 Seahorse Lane, Christchurch, VA 23031
Program: The Impact of Pesticides on our Health, Pollinators, Environment and Food. The Garden Club of the Middle Peninsula and The Garden Club of the Northern Neck are hosting a conservation symposium concerning pesticides. Plan to come at 9:30 a.m. to enjoy coffee and look at displays. The Honorable Tayloe Murphy will make opening remarks at 10 a.m. The symposium is open to the public and all are welcome to join us.
9:30 – 10:00
Please enjoy coffee while visiting with vendors and viewing displays.
10:00 – 10:15
Opening Remarks
Speaker: Honorable Tayloe Murphy
10:15 – 11:00
“PESTICIDES...in commercial agriculture...THEN TO NOW”
Speaker: Paul Bodenstine
11:00 – 11:30
“Overview of EPA’s Pesticide Program and the Process for Evaluating and Communicating Human Health Risks”
Speaker: Wynne Miller
11:30 - 12:15
“Solitary Bees: How We Can Help Support These Single Moms”
Speaker: Tim McCoy
Speakers: Paul Bodenstine, a Certified Professional Agronomist, is well-known by the local farming community. His presentation will cover the nature and properties of pesticides, both natural and synthetic, and includes the decision process on how we use pesticides in agriculture. Mr. Bodenstine will convey the importance of soil and growing conditions on plant health and the significance of GMOs in today’s farming community.
Wynne Miller is the Acting Deputy Office Director for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs. She will discuss the EPA’s pesticide program and its process for evaluating and communicating human health risks.
Tim McCoy is an extension associate in the Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs where he develops pesticide safety educational materials focused on protecting non-target species. He has been a member of the VT Entomology Department for 16 years and has worked on the management of a diverse range of urban pests to include cockroaches, ants, termites, and bed bugs. Tim will discuss pesticide safety and general biology information in relation to native pollinators.
Blenheim Organic Gardens, Dayspring Farm and Windhaven Flower Farm will be present or have displays of their organic crops. You are invited to grab a cup of coffee while you enjoy the displays.
BLENHEIM ORGANIC GARDENS is part of Blenheim Farm, a 400-acre farm long associated with the George Washington family in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Since 2000, Becky and Lawrence Latane have been growing USDA certified organic vegetables, flowers, fruits and herbs. They are a family farm where sustainable agriculture, wildlife conservation and satisfied customers are their top priorities.
DAYSPRING FARM is located in the beautiful countryside of King and Queen County. It produces a large variety of fruits and vegetables using practices of natural fertilization and environmentally safe pest control. The 18-acre farm is owned by Charlie and Miriam Maloney and their four children.
WIND HAVEN FARMS, located in Syringa, Virginia, is a small, cut flower farm owned by Jenny and Paul Maloney. They farm 3 acres to bring flowers to local florists, grocers and CSA programs.
DAVIS PRODUCE of New Kent County will offer pumpkins, gourds and melons. They are involved in small grain research for Virginia Tech.
Information on Legislative Positions, Garden Club of Virginia Position Statements, and links to helpful websites can be found here:
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