Training & Certifications

There’s a growing number of opportunities for professional’s to learn more about green infrastructure practices as the field continues to expand. These educational resources are geared towards engineers, designers, landscapers and professionals interested in infiltration and green stormwater solutions on private and public property.

Many green infrastructure sites also have the potential to meet landscape certifications that can be highly desired by commercial and residential property owners interested in sustainable practices and healthy environments.

Professional Training & Certification Opportunities

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National Green Infrastructure Practitioner Certification Program (NGICP)

This national training program provides the skill set needed to properly construct, inspect and maintain green stormwater infrastructure.

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Green Infrastructure Foundation Training

The online introduction course is designed to build this capacity in the public and private sector by introducing green infrastructure through its types, benefits, principles, applications, and successful policies.

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Master Rain Gardener Course - Washtenaw County

This training program is available in-person or online and prepares professional contractors and landscapers and homeowners to design, construct, and maintain rain gardens.  Those who complete the course and building an approved rain garden will be included in the Washtenaw County MRG Certified Contractors list.

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Michigan Natural Shoreline Certification Program

Training to provide contractors and landscape professionals with the information and skills they need to implement natural shoreline technologies and bioengineered erosion control to protect Michigan’s inland lakes. Two days of classroom instruction and a one-day field exercise equip landscape, marine, and natural resource professionals to design, implement, and maintain natural shoreline landscapes on inland lakes. 

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Healthy Lawn Care Program for Watershed Protection 

Created by the Michigan Green Industry Association. Training to help service company’s comply with environmentally sensitive lawn care issues such as the over use of fertilizers, pesticides, and runoff into storm drains, lakes and rivers.

Events & Conferences

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International Low Impact Development Conference hosted by ASCE-EWRI Urban Water Resources Research Council

Yearly conference focused on municipal green infrastructure program operations and research with panels, sessions, and workshops.

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Great Lakes Trade Expo

The GLTE promotes a healthy economic future for the Green Industry through ideas, interaction and inspiration. Green infrastructure and infiltration practices, processes, challenges, changes, and metrics is an increasingly important topic for speakers and exhibitors. presented by Michigan Nursery & Landscaping Association

Landscape Certifications for Commercial & Residential Installations

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Sustainable SITES Initiative

SITES-certified landscapes help reduce water demand, filter and reduce stormwater runoff, provide wildlife habitat, reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, improve human health and increase outdoor recreation opportunities.  

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has incorporated certain SITES credit content into iterations of the LEED green building rating system.

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National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat

Commercial and residential green infrastructure installations with native plants can meet requirements for NWF certified habitat by providing food, water, cover, places to raise young, and sustainable practices.

Read about NWF Habitat at car dealerships and commercial manufacturing sites around the country.

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National Pollinator Garden Network

Commercial and residential green infrastructure installations with native plants can meet requirements for Pollinator Gardens by providing habitat and without pesticides or fertilizers.