Organic Land Care Accreditation Program

The first annual Oregon Tilth Organic Land Care Accreditation Training will be held at Clackamas Community College, January 25 –29, 2010.  The accreditation training is intended to offer tools and market opportunities for landscape professionals to work under organic principles. The goals of the training include:

• Teach sustainable landscaping practices that will reduce the use of environmentally degrading substances and fossil fuels
• Provide networking opportunities for organic land care professionals
• Offer professional accreditation that is widely recognized throughout the region
• Increase public awareness of the Oregon Tilth Accredited Organic Land Care Program

Participants will gain knowledge in the fundamentals of organics, including an understanding of progressional soil, soil biology/chemistry and soil balancing. Participants will also learn about organic landscape systems, Integrated Pest Management, zone management, chemical-free weed control, designing with native plants, turf care, invasive plant management and tree care. The OLC training will also cover organic fertilizers and pest control products, how to reduce storm water contamination and other pollutants, eco-friendly tools and how to market organic land care.

In addition the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board will recognize forty (40) continued education credits for participation in this five-day training.