Landscape services contributed $1.8 billion to Georgia’s economy in 2006, according to the University of Georgia’s Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development. Having their employees trained and certified as Georgia Certified Landscape Professionals is a goal of many landscape and turf businesses.

A full day of training leading toward certification under the GCLP program is being offered Dec. 14 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens (BFCG) in Savannah. The cost is $25 per person and includes lunch.
Professionals in the landscape and turf industry will benefit from the training. But homeowners can learn from the class, too, and are most welcome to attend.

The day will include both classroom lectures and hands-on activities, guided by experts from UGA Cooperative Extension Service.  Pest identification, landscape planning and design, and plant identification and use are among the topics to be covered.

For industry professionals, Todd Hurt, training coordinator for the GCLP program, will be on hand to explain the certification processes and examination procedures for those interested in taking the exam at a future date.

Professionals who hold a commercial pesticide application license will earn one hour of continuing education credit.

The Dec. 14 class is the first in a series of training events leading toward GCLP certification planned for 2007 through 2008, sponsored by local UGA Cooperative Extension and the Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture. The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens is scheduled to become an official testing and training site for the GCLP program in 2008.

Individuals interested in attending the Dec. 14 class, would do well to register in advance by calling BFCG at (912) 921-5460. You can pay in advance (check or cash, no credit cards) or at the door.

For more information, contact your local county extension agent by calling 1-800-ASK-UGA1 or by calling BFCG.

The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens is a unit of the University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Cooperative Extension Service. Its mission is to provide education, public outreach, and applied research in horticultural and environmental sciences.

It’s at the intersection of U.S. 17 South, going toward Richmond Hill, and Canebrake Road.