Explosive population growth in the tri-county (Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara) region continues to redeploy land previously devoted to production agriculture, grazing, and "open space" to urban development. As the number of golf courses, parks, school grounds, sports fields, cemeteries, business parks, and commercial and residential landscapes increases, so too does the need for people who can manage these green spaces. Landscape managers feel increasing pressure to provide more attractive and traffic-resistant green space, often given only minimal budgets and marginal land with low quality irrigation water and prohibitions on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Clearly, managers need training to address a variety of environmental issues. Just as clearly, techniques for dealing with these new and growing urban demands need continuous refinement. In many cases, managers encounter growing conditions and constraints never before experienced outside university and extension research. The Environmental Horticulture program trains and updates urban green industry professionals from the most sophisticated and experienced to the layman, regardless of educational background. Clients are involved in the production, design, installation, maintenance, sales, and service of plant materials, and include: landscape architects and designers; landscape contractors; grounds maintenance personnel for schools, parks, sports fields, hospitals, cemeteries, golf courses, highways, airports and other commercial facilities; salespeople in businesses ranging from chemicals to retail nurseries; and service individuals and groups, including those in public works (e.g. water agencies, flood control districts, sewage treatment and waste disposal agencies, road departments), and educational institutions. All clients share the goal of managing soils, water, turfgrasses and other landscape plants, either for beautification, sports, land reclamation and erosion control, or environmental quality. However, their considerable range in education and professional objectives require a wide variety of educational approaches. The Environmental Horticulture program therefore includes formal short courses, seminars, field days, and other large gatherings, as well as individual telephone consultations and on-site problem solving. Regardless of how contact is made, the impact of this assistance is felt throughout the Bay Area, in all of Northern California and often beyond. Within the tri-county area, the Environmental Horticulture program focuses on: Turfgrass Adaptability and Culture Evaluation of Drought Tolerant and Low Maintenance Turfgrasses Pest Resistant Turfgrasses Integrated Pest Management Water Conservation and Management Utilization of Recycled Water for Irrigation Green Waste Control and Management Pest Management and Pesticide Safety Urban Landscaping and Soil Management Note: The Environmental Horticulture Advisor is available to work with professional and commercial managers only. Those with HOME gardening questions should call the Alameda County Master Gardener Program at (510) 639-1371. Residents outside Alameda County should contact their own county Cooperative Extension office, listed at : http://ucanr.org/ce.cfm. Contact: Dr. Ali Harivandi 510-639-1271 
maharivandi@ucdavis.edu