Ecological Horticulture, Certificate of Achievement
This certificate prepares students to reduce the environmental impact of built landscapes by applying ecological principles to their work in landscape design, installation, and management. Ecological Horticulture reduces the use of energy and water, reduces pollution of water and air, nurtures soil, reduces the carbon footprint, and enhances wildlife habitat. Students will be able to successfully incorporate locally native plants in landscape gardens and ecological restoration projects. This certificate complements other Certificates of Achievement in Landscape Irrigation, Landscape Pest Management, and Tree Care Specialist.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Identify plant communities of Monterey County and at least 25 species native to California used in habitat restoration and functional landscaping.
- Explain the impact of landscape and nursery operations on air and water quality, energy and water consumption, wildlife habitat loss or gain, and carbon emissions.
- Discover, identify, monitor, assess and clearly communicate the threat of at least 3 invertebrate species, 1 vertebrate species, 5 invasive weedy plants, 2 biotic diseases, and 3 abiotic factors affecting plant success, in horticultural and restoration settings.
- Describe the inorganic and organic components in soil, determine soil texture, and identify practices that support the development of soil suitable for horticultural purposes.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| BIOL 31 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
| HORT 51 | Introduction to Horticulture I | 3 |
| HORT 52 | Introduction to Horticulture II | 3 |
| HORT 64 | Growing and Using California Native Plants | 3 |
| Total Units | 12 | |
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Units | |
| HORT 51 | Introduction to Horticulture I | 3 |
| BIOL 31 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
| Units | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| HORT 52 | Introduction to Horticulture II | 3 |
| HORT 64 | Growing and Using California Native Plants | 3 |
| Units | 6 | |
| Total Units | 12 | |
MPC “Ready to Work” Career Education programs offer students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills needed for employment and job advancement.
All students should consult with a Counselor to discuss career pathways, for support with career exploration and planning, and to create a personalized education plan to help them meet their academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling services provided by MPC and to connect with a Counselor.
Additional resources are available through MPC’s Career & Transfer Resource Center (CTRC). The CTRC offers career resources, workshops, guidance and referrals. Visit the CTRC for support finding online career information and other resources to explore majors, occupations, and employment information.