Resources
For ecoPRO Certified Sustainable Landscape Professionals
Here are useful tools and resources to help you manage and promote your ecoPRO Certification.
For Marketing & Promoting Your ecoPRO Certification
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- ecoPRO Certification Program – Talking Points
- Sustainable Landscaping – Talking Points
- 10 Tips for Managing Your Customers Expectations – 2016 BB Magazine
- ecoPRO Certified Press Release Template
- ecoPRO PRO Brochure – FOR OUTREACH TO PROFESSIONALS
- ecoPRO Bookmark – FOR OUTREACH TO CONSUMERS
- ecoPRO Sponsorship Opportunities
- ecoPRO LOGOS
- To access ecoPRO logos and marketing materials, please login to your online account.
CLICK HERE TO LOGIN. If you have questions, please contact the WA State Nursery & Landscape Association at 253.661.6055. - ecoPRO Logo Use Guidelines
- To access ecoPRO logos and marketing materials, please login to your online account.
For ecoPRO Training Partners
(Municipalities, Education Institutions & Aligning Organizations)
As an ecoPRO Training Partner, your organization can support and help to advance the ecoPRO program objectives to design, build and maintain healthy, beautiful and sustainable landscapes throughout the Pacific Northwest.
SECTION I: About the ecoPRO Certification Program & Partnerships
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- Become an ecoPRO Training Partner
- ecoPRO Program Overview for Public agencies
- ecoPRO Guiding Principles + Best Management Practices
- ecoPRO Program + Continuing Education Policies
- ecoPRO Code of Conduct
- ecoPRO Business Plan
- ecoPRO Memorandum of Understanding (Includes training & marketing partner expectations & responsibilities.)
SECTION II: ecoPRO Training + Coordination
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- ecoPRO Training Draft Agenda
- ecoPRO Curriculum, Lesson Plan + Course Descriptions
- ecoPRO Training Draft Budget
- ecoPRO Trainers + Contact Information
- ecoPRO Session Evaluations
SECTION III – ecoPRO Exam
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- About the ecoPRO Exam
SECTION IV: ecoPRO Communication + Promotion
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- ecoPRO Marketing Plan
- ecoPRO Certification Program – Talking Points
- ecoPRO Marketing Materials (Logos, Ads, Flyers & Signage)
Contact WSNLA at 253.661.6055 for logo and marketing files. - ecoPRO Brochure – FOR OUTREACH TO PROFESSIONALS
- ecoPRO Email Promotion + Communication: SAMPLES
- ecoPRO Powerpoint Presentations
For Homeowners and Gardeners
As a homeowner or gardener, you have a major role to play in building a sustainable landscape. Put your love into practice by implementing these four essential practices for a sustainable landscape.
Looking to hire a professional? Click here to for tips on how to choose a landscape company that fits your needs.
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- Get your plants right
The type of plants you choose are very important for the future of your landscape. Before you make up your mind on the plants to use, consider availability of good soil, shade, water and wind patterns. Ensure that your plants beyond beauty are resistant to pests and diseases. - Soil is king
The quality of soil can make or break your landscape. Healthy soil is one that has all the components that your plant needs for optimal growth. Help it along with compost, mulch and organic fertilizers. - Plant in style
The beauty of planting is to see your seeds bloom all healthy and well-spaced out. Make sure you plant at the proper depth and width to ensure optimal root development. - Prepare for irrigation
Make the water needs of your plants a priority and water them constantly for proper development. As they approach development, make sure you water deeply and less often for healthy and deeper roots.Embrace technology and efficiency by employing the drip irrigation system and rain sensors to help you meet the watering needs effectively.
- Get your plants right
For Sustainable Landscaping
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- Resource‐Efficient Natural Landscaping: Design, Build, Maintain. Seattle Public Utilities, September 2007.
http://www.seattle.gov/util/groups/public/@spu/@conservation/documents/webcontent/spu01_003440.pdf - The New American Landscape, Chapter 2: Managing the Home Landscape as a Sustainable Site. By the SustainableSites Initiative with Thomas Christopher.
- The Case for Sustainable Landscapes (pages 5‐10).
http://sustainablesites.org/report/The%20Case%20for%20Sustainable%20Landscapes_2009.pdf
- The Case for Sustainable Landscapes (pages 5‐10).
- Introduction to IPM. Developed by Green Gardening Program, Seattle Public Utilities, updated January 2012. (choose “Introduction to ProIPM Fact Sheets”)
http://www.seattle.gov/util/ForBusinesses/Landscapes/Integrated_Pest_Management/index.htm - Sustainable Lawn Care: Installation and Maintenance Practices for Northwest Professionals. Seattle Public Utilities, January 2012.
http://www.seattle.gov/util/groups/public/@spu/@conservation/documents/webcontent/01_025113.pdf - Sprinkler Scheduling in 15 Minutes. Tim Wilson, 2006. (Booklet to be mailed)
RainWise: Managing Stormwater at Home. Seattle Public Utilities.
http://www.seattle.gov/util/groups/public/@spu/@usm/documents/webcontent/spu01_006289.pdf - Soil Information for Gardeners, WSU Cooperative Extension.
- http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/soilmgmt/Gardening.htm
- http://www.SoilsforSalmon.org Washington’s soil protection & restoration best practices
- Resource‐Efficient Natural Landscaping: Design, Build, Maintain. Seattle Public Utilities, September 2007.
For Design
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- * Natural Landscaping: Design, Build, Maintain
http://www.seattle.gov/util/groups/public/@spu/@conservation/documents/webcontent/spu01_003440.pdf - * The Sustainable Sites Initiative (or SITES™) http://www.sustainablesites.org summarizes the roots of sustainable design in The Case for Sustainable Landscapes http://sustainablesites.org/report/The%20Case%20for%20Sustainable%20Landscapes_2009.pdf and draft Guidelines & Performance Benchmarks 2009 http://www.sustainablesites.org/report/ (similar to the
USGBC’s LEED™ green building system). The final SITES reference guide is due out in Sept. 2013. - Landscape for Life http://landscapeforlife.org/ has SITES‐based guidance for the general public, including a
curriculum with slide‐sets with instructors manual. - ASLA Sustainable Landscapes – case studies, design resources, & more
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/ - APLD Guidelines for Creating Environmentally Responsible Landscapes
http://apld.org/_media/Sustainability/Guidelines%20Environmental%20brochure.pdf - KC Native Plant Guide – landscape plans for a variety of site conditions
http://green.kingcounty.gov/GoNative/Plan.aspx?Act=list - WDFW Landscape Design for Wildlife http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/landscaping/
- Sustainable Landscapes and Gardens: good science‐practical applications book with local authors http://www.sustainablelandscapesandgardens.com/
- * Natural Landscaping: Design, Build, Maintain
For Soil
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- * http://www.SoilsforSalmon.org has background science and http://www.BuildingSoil.org has basic information for builders and landscapers on Washington’s soil protection and restoration requirements, including the Building Soil manual http://www.buildingsoil.org/tools/Soil_BMP_Manual.pdf , compost calculator, erosion control, project sequencing for soil restoration, and a short slideshow useful for orienting staff and customers Soil
Strategies for Landscape Success http://www.soilsforsalmon.org/pdf/Soil_BMP_slideshow.pdf - * WSU Cooperative Extension Soil Information for Gardeners
http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/soilmgmt/Gardening.htm , including how‐to on soil sampling and understanding test results, soil texture, Washington soils, and more at http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/soilmgmt/Soils.htm - Soil Biology Primer – excellent illustrations & text on how soil works; available online or book http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/concepts/soil_biology/biology.html
- APLD Guide to Sustainable Soils http://apld.org/_media/Sustainability/Sustainable%20Soils%20Brochure%20‐%205‐1‐12.pdf
- ASLA conference 2012 Healthy Soil presentations:
Healthy Soils Part 1: Physical, Organic, and Chemical Properties
http://www.asla.org/uploadedFiles/CMS/Meetings_and_Events/2012_Annual_Meeting_Handouts/MONA1%20Healthy%20Soils%20Physical%20Organic%20and%20Chemical%20Properties%20Part%20I.pdf - Healthy Soils Part 2: Preservation, Reuse and Modification or Soil
http://www.asla.org/uploadedFiles/CMS/Meetings_and_Events/2012_Annual_Meeting_Handouts/MONB2%20Healthy%20Soils%20Preservation%20Reuse%20and%20Modification%20Part%20II.pdf
- * http://www.SoilsforSalmon.org has background science and http://www.BuildingSoil.org has basic information for builders and landscapers on Washington’s soil protection and restoration requirements, including the Building Soil manual http://www.buildingsoil.org/tools/Soil_BMP_Manual.pdf , compost calculator, erosion control, project sequencing for soil restoration, and a short slideshow useful for orienting staff and customers Soil
For Water and Irrigation
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- Going Green with Irrigation System Maintenance. Tim Wilson, 2009.
- http://www.SavingWater.org water conservation and healthy landscape practices
- Irrigation Association educational resources, http://www.irrigation.org/Resources/Resources_Splash.aspx including
comprehensive Turf & Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices
http://www.irrigation.org/Resources/Turf___Landscape_BMPs.aspx for design, installation, maintenance, and management of irrigation systems, and irrigation designer and installer Professional Certification
http://www.irrigation.org/Certification/Certification_Splash.aspx - Irrigation Water Management Society http://www.iwms.org/ –click on “Seattle’ for local ET data & more
For Stormwater
- * RainWise: Managing Stormwater at Home – public guide and simple how‐to factsheets
http://www.seattle.gov/util/RainWise and Seattle’s Green Infrastructure http://www.seattle.gov/util/greeninfrastructure - Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual for Puget Sound – complete guidance on green stormwater infrastructure methods http://www.psp.wa.gov/downloads/LID/20121221_LIDmanual_FINAL_secure.pdf
- WSU Low Impact Development Technical Workshops http://cm.wsu.edu/ehome/lidworkshops/77408/?&
For IPM/IPC – Integrated Pest Management, Integrated Plant Care
- * ProIPM factsheets http://www.seattle.gov/util/ProIPM on common NW problems, and Green Gardening workshop presentations on IPM, plant selection, and more
http://www.seattle.gov/util/ForBusinesses/Landscapes/Integrated_Pest_Management/Workshops/index.htm - http://www.GrowSmartGrowSafe.org practical pest, weed & disease management and safer product selection
- WSU IPM Resources – many useful resources are linked from this page http://pep.wsu.edu/resources.html
- UPEST‐ School IPM http://schoolipm.wsu.edu/
- UC IPM pest & solutions, from University of California http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/
- IPMopedia http://www.IPMopedia.org
- The Garden Hotline and Plant Answer Line (listed under Hotlines at top)can help with pest, weed, & disease identification (call, or email them a photo) and least toxic control methods
- Azalea Lace Bug: Management in Urban Landscapes
- Managing Common Bindweeds
- What to Know About Glyphosate & Alternative Weed Management
For Plants
- http://www.GreatPlantPicks.org – NW adapted plants listed by site condition and other criteria
- King County Native Plant Guide – plant list, planting plans, plant site requirements http://green.kingcounty.gov/GoNative/
- WSU Extension Native Plants database http://gardening.wsu.edu/nwnative/
- WA Native Plant Society http://www.wnps.org/
- Tree Protection on Construction and Development Sites: A Best Management Practices Guidebook for the PNW, EM 8994 December 2009 http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/rp_urban_treeprtctnguidbk.pdf
For Lawns
- Ecologically Sound Lawn Care for the Pacific NW – 90‐page manual
http://www.seattle.gov/util/groups/public/@spu/@foodyard/documents/webcontent/ecological_200312021255394.pdf or see the 8‐page summary Sustainable Lawn Care for Northwest Professionals
http://www.seattle.gov/util/groups/public/@spu/@conservation/documents/webcontent/01_025113.pdf - WSU EB0482 Home Lawns for public http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb0482/eb0482.pdf , and many resources linked from WSU Master Gardener Library / Lawns http://gardening.wsu.edu/text/lawns.htm
For Urban AG / Edible Landscaping
- Growing Food in the City – basic food gardening information in 14 languages
http://www.seattle.gov/util/EnvironmentConservation/MyLawnGarden/FoodGardening/index.htm - Seattle’s Food and Urban Agriculture website links many food security and urban ag resources http://www.seattle.gov/environment/food.htm
- Seattle Tilth Association – classes, demonstration gardens, and volunteer opportunities http://seattletilth.org/
- Urban Garden Share – find a space to share http://www.urbangardenshare.org/
- Master Gardeners – Washington State University Extension http://gardening.wsu.edu/
- Lettuce Link – food sharing program, http://www.solid‐ground.org/programs/nutrition/lettuce/Pages/default.aspx and
how‐to‐grow guide Gardening for Good Nutrition
http://www.solidground.org/AboutUs/Publications/Documents/GardeningGuide3‐09‐WEB.pdf - Urban Farm Hub – urban agriculture news and resources for the Northwest http://www.urbanfarmhub.org/
- Edible Landscaping Basics book and online content by a pioneer, Rosalind Creasy http://www.rosalindcreasy.com/edible‐landscaping‐basics/
- Search “Edible Landscaping Northwest” for books by Marianne Binetti & others, blogs, etc.
More Landscape Professionals & Training Programs
- EnviroStars business certification http://www.envirostars.org/
WA Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP) education http://www.walp.org/education.html - WA State Nursery & Landscape Association (WSNLA) http://www.wsnla.org/CertifiedProfessionalHorticulturist.htm
- WA Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (WASLA) state licensure and continuing education http://www.wasla.org/professional‐practice/continuing‐education/
- WA Chapter of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) certification and education http://apldwa.org/about‐apld
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification http://www.isa-arbor.com/certification/index.aspx and Pacific Northwest Chapter continuing education http://pnwisa.org/continuing‐education/
- Irrigation Association certification for designers and installers http://www.irrigation.org/Certification/
- WSU Low Impact Development certificate program – site includes all presentations from the course http://cm.wsu.edu/ehome/lidworkshops/
- UW Green Stormwater Infrastructure certificate program
http://www.pce.uw.edu/certificates/green‐stormwater‐infrastructure.html