Introducing Two New Programs!
National Green Infrastructure Certification Program
Initiated under the leadership of DC Water and the Water Environment Federation, the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program (NGICP) sets national certification standards for green infrastructure (GI) construction, inspection, and maintenance workers.
Designed to meet international best-practice standards, NGICP certification advances the establishment of sustainable communities by promoting GI as an environmentally and economically beneficial stormwater management option, supporting the development of proficient green work-forces, and establishing a career path for skilled GI workers.
In collaboration with ELA, Trevor Smith offers a 5-day, 35-hour course that provides graduates the skillset needed to design green stormwater infrastructure and to oversee construction, inspection, and maintenance of these projects.
Eco Courses Now in Spanish
On April 1, ELA introduced its first series of ecological landscape classes designed for native Spanish speakers. The nine-part series covers a complete range of land care topics and is being offered at no cost for three months (April, May, and June 2019). Starting July 1st, the classes will remain free for ELA Members and will be available for $10 per class for non-members.
Click on a title to get started now:
- Calidad del Aire y Jardineria Verde – Air Quality
- Fertilizantes y Hierba Cortada Compostaje – Fertilizer and Grass Cycling
- Introduccion A Cobertura (Mulch) Y Abono (Compost) – Introduction to Mulch and Compost
- Introduccion A Suelos – Introduction to Soils
- La Planta Correcta en el Lugar Correcto – Right Plant Right Place
- La Poda Para La Salud De La Planta – Pruning for Plant Health
- Manejo Integrado de Plagas MIP – Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- RIEGO #1 Interaccion Entre Agua – Plantas Y Suelos – Irrigation Part 1 of 2
- RIEGO Programacion del Riego – Irrigation Part 2 of 2
Celebrate Native Plants
Third Celebrating Native Plants Tour!
Showcase your native plant garden during ELA’s Third Annual Celebrating Native Plants Garden Tour. Whether it’s a garden you’ve nurtured and maintained over decades or just installed at your own or a client’s property, ELA invites you to share your passion for native plants on Saturday afternoon June 22. Registered guests will visit gardens to share, discuss, and discover the beauty and ecosystem value of native plants. (Hosts determine the number of visitors.) Take advantage of this opportunity to inspire greater use of native plants.
Learn more here and add your garden to the growing list
Spotlight on Natives – Submit Your Photos
ELA’s Spotlight on Natives Photo Contest has begun! Submit your entries between now and May 31 at 5:00pm. Share your photos of native plants in garden settings and individual specimens. First Prize Winners receive a one-year ELA Professional Membership. Photographers receiving Honorable Recognition will earn $50 credit toward purchases at the ELA Bookstore. Winners will be announced in June. Find all the details here.
Join Us for Virtual Coffee, April 17
This month, we’re seeking your ideas for hands-on workshops. Let us know the ecological experiences and skills you seek. Join ELA for coffee and share your ideas on Wednesday, April 17 between 12:30pm and 1:00pm. Drop in for a few minutes, or stay the whole time. Email ahead to ela_new@verizon.net for the call-in number.
