The Marana Parks and Recreation Department recently hosted a specialized training session on herbicide and pesticide applications to 65 maintenance professionals from throughout Southern Arizona.

The day-long Arizona Department of Agriculture's Office of Pesticide Management training was provided by Wilbur-Ellis for the department's continuing education units.

"We are placing a major emphasis on staff training and are looking at opportunities to host various trainings at our facilities," Marana Parks and Rec Director Jim Conroy said in a statement. "These trainings will professionally develop Marana staff and strengthen the overall Marana team."

The training session included the safe handling and mixing of pesticides, education on being exposed to pesticides as well as the environmental impacts of pesticides.

"The training will help both Marana Parks and Rec employee and those who utilize their facilities to be safer," the Town of Marana said in a press release. "The training was specifically beneficial to employees who handle and apply pesticides to perform their duties in a safer manner."

The Marana Parks & Recreation Department offers a variety of programs for the community including hiking, horseback riding, aquatics and special interests programs.