Learn Landscaper Training Programs - Project Greenscape
Overview
Project Greenscape originated in response to the City of Naples' desire to improve water quality in Naples Bay by reducing nutrient inputs through requiring landscapers to get training and obtain a license to apply fertilizer. It’s a partnership program between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Collier County, University of Florida/IFAS Collier County Extension Office, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the City of Naples. The main objective is to promote sustainable landscaping practices through implementing strategic, science-based education.
Project Greenscape currently offers the following trainings: Green Industries Best Management Practices which covers fertilizing, watering, plant selection and pesticides; Fertilizer Calibration, Urban Pond Management, Water wise and Other Irrigation Concepts, Proper Pruning Practices for Southwest Florida and Good Plant, Bad Plant, Right Plant.
Collier County Florida-Friendly use of Fertilizer on Urban Landscapes
To reduce the risk of fertilizer runoff and other improper landscaping practices from contributing to nutrient pollution in County waters, Collier County adopted the Florida-Friendly Use of Fertilizer on Urban Landscapes ordinance on July 26, 2011 (Ordinance 11-24). This ordinance regulates the proper use of fertilizer by any applicator, requires proper training of commercial and institutional fertilizer applicators and lawn services, establishes prohibited application period, specifies fertilizer application rates and methods, grass and plant trimmings practices, and exemptions.
City of Naples Landscaper Certification
The City of Naples recognizes the importance of water resources to sustaining the economic, environmental and human health of our community. To ensure adequate protection the City implemented ordinance 08-11972 that regulates professional landscaping activities and the application of fertilizer. According to this ordinance all professional landscapers applying fertilizer within City limits need to register with the City and obtain a Landscaper Certification.
City of Marco Island Landscaper Certification
All companies that perform lawn maintenance, landscaping must have at least one supervisor plus 10% of field staff GI-BMP certified, plus have at least one GI-BMP staff member at each work location. All GI-BMP certified companies must be registered with the City of Marco Island and obtain a vehicle sticker for each vehicle. For more information contact Nancy Richie, Environmental Specialist, phone: 239-389-5003, fax: 239-393-0266.
Checklist for Landscaper Certification Process
Getting all the certifications and licenses required to operate your business legally in Collier County, the Cities of Naples and Marco Island, requires a few steps that at times might be confusing, Project Greenscape has developed this easy to follow guide to assist you in the process.
Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Training
The Green Industries Best Management Practices training was developed to provide landscaping professionals with knowledge, skills and tools to minimize the impacts of nonpoint sources pollution related to their business practices.
Landscaping Continuing Education Program
Project Greenscape offers a series of training opportunities for landscaping professionals on a wide variety of subjects. These classes are also valid to renew the City of Naples Landscaper Certification each year.
