Industry News
Update from CBLP
C
hesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Certification Program is a voluntary, stackable credentialing system of materials and consistent instruction across the region (Virginia, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, New York) creating a community of certified professionals to be better stormwater partners and environmental stewards. By completing the certification process and attending our professional development workshops, those holding other professional credentials (such as certified horticulturalists, arborists, Urban Nutrient Managers, Stormwater and Erosion and Sediment Control Inspectors) can earn continuing education credits for their existing credentials. And the same is true for CBLPs who attend VNLA-sponsored events covering our sustainable landscaping or stormwater related learning objectives! Level 1 is a baseline credential in design, installation, and maintenance of sustainable landscapes, with emphasis on how to properly maintain stormwater best management
CBLP and VA DGIF Habitat Partners Work Shop — Bioretention Plant Design using Local Native Reference Landscapes — Instructors Devin Floyd and David Hirschman
20 • VNLA News • Summer 2019
practices (BMPs). Level 2 is an advanced credential for experienced Professionals in design or installation of conservation landscapes with an emphasis on the small-scale BMP retrofits also known as residential stewardship practices (e.g. rain gardens, permeable pavers, conservation landscapes, etc.). These are typically designed/installed through costshare, stormwater fee reduction or grant programs run by local governments, Soil and Water Conservation Districts and watershed groups. Since 2016, CBLP has trained nearly 450 professionals, and certified 360 for Level 1, and 60 for Level 2. This year we began recertifying our original cohort of CBLPs. Virginia-specific trainings will be available in Arlington County (June 24–25) and Richmond (July 9–10) and we expect to have additional trainings in Hampton Roads and other locations based on demand – those interested in getting certified can register at any location offered at cblpro. org/get-certified/. Our Level 2 credential in design and/or
CBLP Level 1 training — BMP Verification exercise
