Living Green Infrastructure StreamAre you a planner, policy maker or developer? Would you like to see more green infrastructure present in your community? This diploma stream can help you make better and more integrated decisions to support the sustainability of the green spaces you develop and create. Achieve a deep understanding of nature's contribution to the success of human created infrastructure. "When you realize the impacts of implementing a living green infrastructure in our architecture, building development and homeownership you see the world in a different way. Look up biophilic design and then sign up for this course." - Joni Wright, Organic Land Care Diploma |
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Core CoursesIt is highly recommended that students complete the core courses in the following order as it makes the successful completion of each course easier. Read more about each course below. 1. Organic Horticulture SpecialistOur foundational course provides the knowledge needed to see the living world in a new and holistic way. It details the connections between soil health, plant health, human health and the health of our planet. (Curriculum aligns with our Organic Master Gardener course which appeals mainly to home growers). 2. Ecological Plant Knowledge 1 - NativesAn overview of plant and ecosystem relationships with an emphasis on choosing and caring for native plants found in the student’s unique bioregion. Subjects include plant identification, creating native ecosystems and supporting wildlife habitat. 3. Living Green InfrastructureThis course provides professionals, practitioners and anyone interested in urban design with the knowledge to create greener and more livable cities. Unlike grey infrastructure strategies such as concrete sewer systems and wastewater treatment plants, Living Green Infrastructure works with nature to promote healthy urban forests and waterways. 4. Rainwater Harvesting and ManagementStudents learn the theory and practice of how to design, build and manage rainwater harvesting systems. Suitable for professionals and trades practitioners, or for those seeking to enhance their own buildings to capture quality garden-use water in a time of increasing droughts.
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Elective Courses
Successful completion of one elective course is required for the diploma, but many of our students have taken more than one for further learning, personal interest and professional development. Read more about each course below.
Business Skills for Land Care Professionals
While aimed at small business owners in the land care and farming sectors, this course is equally applicable to all other types of small business. Innovative and practical solutions are presented to meet challenges as students develop their own marketing and business plans.
Learn more about Business Skills for Land Care Professionals.
Growing Food
This course offers key lessons in ecological plant care for those seeking to grow healthy food for personal or market use. It includes the principles of organic growing, applied permaculture, harvesting and food preservation.
Learn more about Growing Food.
Ecological Plant Knowledge 2 - Ornamentals
An exploration of how plants grow within an ecosystem with an emphasis on the proper selection and care of ornamentals. Topics include plant nomenclature, factors in successful plant groupings, weed identification and plant maintenance including specialty pruning.
Learn more about Ecological Plant Knowledge 2 - Ornamentals.
Landscape Design Basics with SketchUp Pro
An introduction to the language and tools of landscape design with computer software. Students learn to use SketchUp Pro and Layout to communicate their designs to clients, co-workers and contractors. This course is a prerequisite (or co-requisite) to Ecological Landscape Design.
Learn more about Landscape Design Basics with SketchUp Pro.
Course Schedule
| Core Courses | January | May | September |
| Organic Horticulture Specialist | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ecological Plant Knowledge 1 - Natives | N/A | ✓ | ✓ |
| Living Green Infrastructure | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rainwater Harvesting and Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Elective Courses | |||
| Business Skills for Land Care Professionals | ✓ | N/A | ✓ |
| Ecological Plant Knowledge 2 - Ornamentals | N/A | ✓ | ✓ |
| Growing Food | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Landscape Design Basics with SketchUp Pro | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
