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Program Qualifies For PLANET CEU?EUR??,,????'?????<

"We are pleased that PLANET has recognized the quality of our program and approved us for continuing education units," said Sharon McGuire, Executive Director of the California Landscape Contractors Association. (right).

 

The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is pleased to announce its Water Management Certification Program training has been approved for Continuing Education Units through the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). PLANET offers a series of certification and training programs for the landscape industry to raise the standards of the profession while improving professional development. A few of these programs include the Certified Landscape Technician, Certified Ornamental Landscape Professional and the Certified Turfgrass Professional.

As of January 2009, PLANET transitioned to a new two-year recertification cycle for all landscape industry certifications. The continuing education required to maintain the active status of any PLANET certification is now measured in continuing education units (CEUs) rather than points.

To maintain the active status of any PLANET certification, industry professionals will now be required to report 24 CEUs during a two-year cycle. Recertification and continuing education are considered best practices across the certification industry. CLCA's Water Management Training will be worth 3 CEUs, and anyone who signed up beginning January 2009 will be given continuing education units.

CLCA's Water Management Certification Program was started in 2007 and helps meet the need to reduce landscape water usage by learning to work with advanced irrigation technology and a water budget. In some cases it also saves money, especially for those with tiered water pricing. An important part of any community, landscape positively alters the environment, reduces carbon emissions, improves air quality, protects the land, provides food, creates oxygen and sustains life. Landscape water management helps save water and maximize our resources. According to the United Nations, nearly two thirds of the world's population is expected to have limited access to water by 2025.

"We are pleased that PLANET has recognized the quality of our program and approved us for continuing education units," said Sharon McGuire, Executive Director of the California Landscape Contractors Association. "Water availability is an important issue that impacts us all and we believe the landscape industry is an important place to emphasize efficient water management because many people over water their landscapes by over 50%."

CLCA's Water Management Certification Program is also available through the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System, which establishes and maintains standards for professional development and continuing education programs for landscape architects. CLCA's Water Management Certification Program was made possible by the strong support of Ewing Irrigation Products, Toro Company, Hunter Industries, and Horizon Distributors Inc. who share a strong commitment to water conservation.