Blue Ridge EcoGardener Certificate of Merit
This program has been sunset and is no longer taking enrollment.Â
After Hurricane Helene and its impacts on the Arboretum, we took a closer look at the strengths of both programs and at our registration numbers over the years. That review showed that while the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate of Merit program has been strong from the beginning, our Blue Ridge EcoGardener Program has not been as successful. Low registration in classes, the unfortunate timing of when this program started, and an abundance of other gardening programs online and in our local community have all contributed to the difficult decision to ultimately sunset this Certificate of Merit program. We have already begun to talk with some of the amazing gardening groups in the Asheville region in efforts to collaborate more closely in the coming years.
The Arboretum’s Blue Ridge EcoGardener (BREG) Certificate of Merit program was designed to empower you with an understanding of the complex ecological principles underpinning healthy, self-sustaining landscapes and how to apply them in your garden. Participants completed core and elective courses in ecology, botany, permaculture, landscape design and more.
Blue Ridge EcoGardener At-A-Glance
Curriculum Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply to either certificate program?
A: Enrollment is welcome at any time. An initial application and administrative fee is required, which covers student support, access to online learning management systems, and graduation costs. The one-time application fee is not discounted for members.
Q: What is the total cost of the program?
A: There is no set total cost of either Certificate of Merit Program. Once enrolled, students pay per class as they go. Registration fees may range from $35 for a one-session course to $250 for a multi-session course. Registration fees go toward paying our instructors while the remaining funds go to staff the program and maintain record keeping.
Q: How long does it typically take to complete the program? Is there a timeframe in which the program must be completed?
A: Most students are able to complete the Blue Ridge Eco-Gardener (BREG) program in one to two years, and the Blue Ridge Naturalist (BRN) in two to three years. There is no deadline at which those enrolled must complete their required credit hours and final projects.
Q: What are the required courses? Where do I find the courses described?
A: Our certificate programs are self-directed, and core and elective courses offered year round. The Curriculum Overview details which core classes are required as well as the number of elective courses necessary for each certification. New courses are listed as available on the main Adult Education website and announced in our Learn & Grow e-newsletter.
Q: Do I need to pay for parking for on-site classes?
A: Arboretum entry on the day of a class is included in your registration fee. Just stop by the gatehouse and identify yourself to the attendant. Members can enter through the member gate as normal.
Q: I’m a current member of the Arboretum. How do I redeem my 10% discount towards classes?
A: Members enter a “promo code” before checkout to access the member discount. The promo code changes each calendar year and it is announced in our member newsletter, The Insider. Email us at adulteducation@ncarboretum.org with any issues.
Q: I’m not sure I want to commit to a certificate program yet. Do classes I take now count toward a future certification?
A: Yes, students who begin taking classes and later decide to enroll in a certificate program can count any class taken within one year prior to enrollment as a certificate of merit student.
Q: Are there any opportunities for scholarships?
A: If the cost of a class is a financial hardship for you, please submit our Scholarship Application, and we will be in contact to follow up.
Q: Are there required/recommended texts?
Recommended for the Blue Ridge EcoGardener program:
Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard. Tallamy, Douglas W. (2020, Timber Press)
Planting in a Post Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes. Rainer, Thomas and Claudia West (2015, Timber Press)
Enrollment
Enrollment in one of our certificate programs requires a one-time administrative fee of $150.
Please email us at adulteducation@ncarboretum.org if you are interested in enrolling.
Student Records & Transcripts
Please keep track of the courses you take throughout your journey in the BREG program using this template: