Join the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA) at the Community Recreation & Environmental Center in Haverford Township, from August 7 to 10 for the farming association’s first accreditation course in Pennsylvania in over two years. The four-day course for land care professionals and environmental educators covers organic land care principles, practices, design and maintenance. By the end of the course, attendees will be able to incorporate land care methods and materials that respect natural ecology and the long-term health of the environment into their businesses or educational programs.

The course is designed for professionals who have at least five years of experience and/or college-level science studies. Students should be familiar with plant identification and landscaping maintenance practices. The 30-hour curriculum covers site analysis, design and maintenance; hydrology; soil fundamentals; organic fertilizers; soil health; compost; lawn alternatives; mulches; invasive plants; planting and plant care; disease control; pest management; permaculture; and more. At the end of the course, students will take a 50-question, multiple-choice exam. Upon passing with a score of 70 percent or higher, students become an accredited organic land care professional (AOLCP), which is a marketable credential offering many benefits.

It is $695 for the course, which includes the full course, daily lunches, an accreditation exam and a one-year supporter-level accreditation. A business-level accreditation, which includes online marketing, will cost an additional $75 for the current year.

For more information about the accreditation course, call CT NOFA at 203-308-2584 or email [email protected].