Native Plant Society of Texas Landscape Certification – Level 1 – Houston

Advanced Training Opportunity: VMS category: AT: NGO Workshops and Programs on Wildlife Conservation and Land Stewardship

Registration website: https://npsot.org/wp/nlcp/

OVERVIEW

The Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP) is a four level certification program developed by the Native Plant Society of Texas that teaches the value of including and preserving native plants in landscapes. 

Level 1: Introduction to Native Landscapes 
Level 2: Landscape Design with Native Plants 
Level 3: Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes 
Level 4: Stewardship of Native Plant Communities (to be developed) 

Participants must complete Level 1 before attending any other level. Subsequent levels may be taken in any order.

DESCRIPTION

Level 1: Introduction to Native Landscapes 

– Learn the value of including and preserving native plants in landscapes. 
– Understand the differences between sustainable and conventional development. 
– Discover your Texas ecoregion, vegetation, and soil. 
– Become familiar with 45 native Texas plants recommended for your landscape and 5 plants to avoid. 

The course includes a classroom session and a 2 hour outdoor plant knowledge walk. 

The Native Plant Society (NPSOT) offers two levels of certificates: 
Completion – attend the full day. 
Competency – attend the full day and pass a test at the end of the class. 

Students graduating with either certificate may progress to another class level.

INSTRUCTORS

Russ Kane is a TX Gulf Coast Master Naturalist and Publicity Coordinator for Native Plant Society of Texas, Houston Chapter. He is a 40-year Houston gardener with an appreciation for the difficulties and pleasures it brings and the benefits that Texas native plants offer. He is a long-time technical and food/wine writer and now also focuses on naturalist topics. 

and 

Margaret Gnewuch has been a member of the Native Plant Society of Texas, Houston Chapter for over 20 years and is a past president. Margaret has been studying, gardening, and enjoying native Texas plants for over 30 years. She is the Book Coordinator for our Wildscapes Workshop searching for native plant/nature books. 

and 

Nancy Neff Hannan is a retired primary care physician, birder and long-time organic gardener, interested in preserving nature’s resources and permaculture. Active in the Native Plant Society-Houston chapter for several years, she feels strongly that landscaping with local Texas native plants is a critical step to the healing of our Earth and ensuring the survival of threatened flora and fauna. She is certified in NLCP Levels 1, 2, and 3 and is in the process of converting her urban yard to a Texas Wildscape.

IMPORTANT!

Please wear clothing and shoes appropriate for the weather and walking outside for 2 hours. You may also need a bottle of water, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a chair cushion.

AGENDA

Tentative Agenda: 

8:00 – 8:15 am – Registration 
8:15 – 8:30 am – Class Introductions 
8:30 – 9:30 am – Presentation – Plant Knowledge 
9:30 – 9:45 am – Break 
9:45 – 10:45 am – Presentation – Plant Knowledge (continued) 
10:45 – 12:45 pm – Field Course – Plant Walk 
12:45 – 1:15 pm Lunch 
1:15 – 2:15 pm – Presentation – Introduction to Native Landscapes 
2:15 – 2:30 pm – Break 
2:30 – 3:30 pm – Presentation – Introduction to Native Landscapes (cont.) 
3:30 – 3:45 pm – Break 
3:45 – 4:30 pm – Certification Test / Grading

REFRESHMENTS AND LUNCH

Break time refreshments will be provided. 

Lunch is limited to 30 minutes. You will not be able to purchase lunch in the area so please bring a bagged lunch.

QUESTIONS

Registration questions: Meg Inglis, NLCP Coordinator, meg.inglis@npsot.org or 512-589-1316 
Location and class specific questions: Margaret Gnewuch, Host Chapter Manager, marg_g@hughes.net, 713-657-0372 

Lodging: Please contact Margaret Gnewuch if you need help locating lodging.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Extreme events such as flooding may cause us to cancel the class. In such a case an email will be sent to registrants from the NLCP Coordinator 24 hours prior to the class.

DISCOUNT

Level 1 is the same rate for all registrants: $37. 
Subsequent levels are $37 for Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) members and $52 for all others. 
Become a NPSOT individual member for only $35: http://npsot.org/wp/join-renew/

PRICING – REGULAR (AUG 2, 2018 – DEC 7, 2018)

CANCELLATION POLICY

If you need to cancel your registration, please contact the NLCP Coordinator as soon as possible so another student may come in your place: Meg Inglis, meg.inglis@npsot.org or 512-589-1316. Fees may not be applied to future classes. Only cancellations made by midnight on the Monday prior to class are eligible for a refund. Upon cancellation, a $10 handling fee is deducted from the refund to cover charges incurred from our third party registration service provider. Thank you for your understanding in this matter!