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Chesapeake Bay Sustainable Landscape Professional Certification Course June 20-21 In State College

Registration is now open for summer Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Certification courses to be held in several locations. In Pennsylvania, a Level I course will be held in State College, Centre County June 20-21.

CBLP is a voluntary, regional credential for professionals who design, install, and maintain sustainable landscapes in the Bay watershed.

CBLP offers two levels of training and certification:

-- Level 1 is a baseline certification in design, installation, and maintenance of sustainable landscapes, emphasizing proper management of stormwater best management practices (BMPs).

-- Level 2 is an advanced credential in design or installation, focusing on stormwater BMPs.

CBLP’s active learning program engages participants to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and collaborative practice skills. We focus on the unique ecology and regulations of the Bay region.

Level 1 consists of one two-day class that combines classroom learning about conservation landscaping (native plants, natural communities, habitat, soils, invasives management) and stormwater BMPs, with a field-based maintenance practicum.

The class also covers BMP inspection and verification protocols. Level 1 candidates are required to pass a written examination after the class.

Candidates receive unlimited access to CBLP’s online webinar series on sustainable landscaping topics and a copy of CBLP’s sustainable landscape maintenance manual, as well as access to exam preparation tutorials. Additional resources are available via free download or purchase.

Level 1 certification exams will be given in multiple locations. Because this is a Bay-wide credential, candidates may take the class or exam in any location. The Level 1 fee, including the exam, webinars, and materials, is $425.

Several Level 1 classes are planned for summer 2019:

-- June 20-21: State College, PA

-- June 24-25: Arlington, VA

-- July 22-23: Annapolis, MD

-- September 10-11: Ellicott City, MD

One additional summer Level 1 class is planned for Richmond, VA, with dates to be announced shortly.

Level 1 candidates must have a degree, certificate, or certification in a related green infrastructure field, or have professional experience. To qualify for Level 2, professionals must complete Level 1 and demonstrate experience designing or installing stormwater BMPs.

The next Level 2 Intensive Seminar will be held August 15-17 in Virginia Beach, VA.

Find A CBLP Professional

To date, CBLP has certified 316 Level 1, and 48 Level 2 professionals from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Eventually, CBLP will be offered in all states in the Bay watershed.

A searchable, online directory of CBLP-certified landscape professionals is available online.

For more information, visit the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Certification website. Questions should be directed to Beth Ginter, CBLP Coordinator, by sending email to: beth@cblpro.org or call 703-501-1208.

Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council

Also visit the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council website for more information on professional development and networking.

The Council is a coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to researching, promoting and educating professionals and the public about conservation landscaping to protect the Chesapeake Bay.

The Council will hold a Turning A New Leaf Conference December 5-6 in Harrisburg to help participants learn how to create landscapes that work with our natural resources. Topics on design, native plants, maintenance, soils, hydrology & stormwater.

The conference tracks are: Streams and Surrounding Landscapes; Landscapes in a Changing Climate; and Designing with Plant Communities.

NewsClips:

Chesapeake Bay Recovery Took A Hit Amid Extreme Rain In 2018, But Retains C Grade

Chesapeake Bay Health Dips, But Still Rates A C In Annual Report Card

Downpours, Runoff Lead To Decline In Chesapeake Bay’s Health

Bay Journal: University Of Maryland Report: Low Health Scores Rain On Chesapeake Bay’s Recovery

Proposed Federal Budget Includes Funds For Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

Local Officials In Blair County Weigh Stormwater Fees

Luzerne Anti-Stormwater Fee Group Starts Sign Campaign

Cong. Meuser Still Wants Answer From EPA On Stormwater Management

Cong. Cartwright Backs Federal Stormwater Pollution Reduction Funding Boost

Six Pittsburgh Restaurants Recycle Oyster Shells To Help Chesapeake Bay