![]() Level 1 is a baseline credential in design, installation, and maintenance of sustainable landscapes, with emphasis on how to properly maintain stormwater best management practices. ![]() The result is a two-level certification process. The next task was to create and pilot the training and certification process, learning objectives, key references, training videos and workshops, and exams. The first years were spent obtaining funding, forming steering and technical advisory committees, holding open forums to gather more input from stakeholders and forming a network organization capable of developing and delivering a training and certification process to people who design, install, and maintain stormwater practices using nature-based approaches. This concept was built upon over the years, in partnership with the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council (CCLC), University of Maryland Sea Grant and Cooperative Extension, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources/Habitat Partners. One of the key findings in the Summit Report is the need to, “build an effective and integrated network of powerful water quality and stormwater experts and advocates – or a ‘Community of Practice.’” In partnership with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the UVA Institute for Engagement and Negotiation (IEN), and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, a summit was held in February 2013 with 180 people in attendance over 2 days. The Report identified the need for a statewide collaborative summit of stakeholders from government at all levels, the private sector, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations. We identified tens of millions of dollars-worth of BMP’s installed on private property but could not tell if they were installed or maintained properly - or if they still existed at all! We saw great potential in expanding these private property stormwater management practices, but there were many barriers. Leading this effort is Wetlands Watch’s Assistant Director, Shereen Hughes.īackstory: Over eight years ago, Wetlands Watch conducted a study on how to expand the use of best management practices (BMP’s) on private property to help meet Chesapeake Bay cleanup goals. The Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional program (CBLP) has trained hundreds of landscape professionals in green infrastructure practices, forming the base of a resilience workforce. Over a long and winding path, with many partners along the way, we are now seeing this idea become reality. Snapshot: Nine years ago, Wetlands Watch started on a journey to expand the use of nature-based approaches to water and shoreline management.
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