Frequently Asked Questions
What are sustainable landscapes?
Sustainable landscapes consider the resources, lands, and wildlife of the local and larger environment in a long term or generational context, and seek to preserve and enhance them. A total environment is considered: ecology; site analysis; soil type, structure, and health; climate; climate mitigation; water flow and use; appropriate plants for the site; plants for biodiversity; lawn alternatives; how to create healthy chemical-free landscapes; edible plants; maintenance; and more.
How do I enroll?
Registration for all classes is done through the School of Extended Education. Registration may be completed in-person, by mail, by phone at 707/664-2394, by fax at 707/664-2613, or online using the Register For Class link at the top of this page. Forms and instructions are also available in each semester's course catalog.
Who should I contact with questions before I register?
Contact Marcia Harrigan at 707-664-3011 or sustainablelandscape@sonoma.edu. Our customer service staff is always happy to take your registration, but for any questions, please contact Marcia directly.
Do I have to pay for the whole program at once?
Students register and pay for only those courses they are enrolling in each semester/session. We cannot accept pre-payment for future semester courses. You may register course by course to spread the payments out, submitting a registration form and payment each time, or by multiple courses with one registration and payment. Payment is always due at the time of registration.
Can I enroll late? Is there a penalty?
Late registration is accepted on a case by case basis. Please contact Marcia Harrigan at 707-664-3011 or at sustainablelandscape@sonoma.edu. Students who attend but have not registered by the day of the class may be charged a $25.00 late fee. It is important that students be enrolled by the Wednesday before the start of the course because the Program Manager reviews class enrollment on that day. If enrollment is low, the course may be cancelled. Timely enrollment may keep a class from being cancelled, and allows for advance notification of cancellation, if necessary.
How much is parking? Is it close to the classroom?
Classes are held in Darwin Hall, room 107. The closest parking is in lot "D" adjacent to Darwin Hall. All classes in the program are held on Saturdays, and the $2.50 parking fee is not enforced on Saturday and Sunday.
How long do I have to complete the program?
In order to be eligible for a Sustainable Landscape Certificate, students must complete all courses within one year (12 months) from the date of the first course they attend, including the final project.
How is the class graded?
These courses are considered professional development taken as Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The CEU hours are graded on a Credit/No Credit basis. Ten hours CEU equal 1.0 units. The total program is 42 hours CEU or 4.2 units.
What happens if I miss a class? Can they be made up?
All courses must be attended in total. If a problem arises, contact Marcia Harrigan immediately at 707-664-3011 or at sustainablelandscape@sonoma.edu.
How large are the classes?
Typical enrollment is between 20 and 30 students.
Does the Sustainable Landscape Certificate Program offer job placement assistance to its graduates?
The program does not work with graduates in job placement, but does connect graduates with resources and others in the field.
What percentage of graduates find employment in training-related jobs?
While no data is available on this yet, many graduates do find employment in this ever-expanding field. Likewise, many professionals already in a related field will learn "green" practices to implement in their respective fields, thus increasing their worth in the emerging New Green Economy. One of the benefits of attending the courses is networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and other professionals from a wide variety of different backgrounds. The online Google Group also has ongoing job opportunities and connections posted.
How much are the courses?
Each course is $160.00. To complete the program, students must attend all six courses, and must enroll in the final project course, which is $100.00, for a total of $1060.00.
What books and supplies will I need?
The program uses a reader rather than a textbook. The cost of the reader is approximately $50.00. It is available through www.Digi-Type.com and may be ordered online. You may wish to call Digi-Type at 707-527-0873 for the exact cost.
Is there any financial assistance available?
While the Sustainable Landscape Certificate Program does not qualify for federal financial aid, you may be qualified to receive assistance through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The purpose is to provide employment training for adults and dislocated workers. For more information, contact your local Workforce Investment Act Office (you can find your local office on the list at http://www.edd.ca.gov/Jobs_and_Training/LWIA_Listing.htm. If you qualify, you will be able to register once your WIA authorization to enroll has been received in our office.
Is Sonoma State University accredited?
Yes. Sonoma State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, (WASC). We are also members of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and Build It Green.
What types of careers are available in the Sustainable Landscape field?
As "Green" proliferates and becomes more of an operating standard within the world of mainstream business and government, the demand across the spectrum of disciplines for individuals with a broad understanding of Green principles and practices grows apace. Our program speaks to a broad range of interests. Ecological and sustainable landscapes that address water restriction considerations, storm water run-off, climate mitigation, eliminating pesticide and herbicide use, edible landscapes, habitat gardens, lawn replacement, and other areas of need and interest offer opportunities for graduates of the courses.
What are past graduates doing now?
Some graduates continue to pursue their careers as designers, landscape architects, contractors, planners, gardeners, and others. Many use the program as a springboard to launch careers in new directions, such as a focus on sustainable landscapes, environmentally friendly landscapes, habitat gardens, or replacing lawns. Some graduates have described being able to out-compete other firms with the environmental approach they learned in the program. All have described the wealth of information that has helped them move into more ecological approaches in their work or home gardens.
Would I be able to be a Sustainable Landscape consultant with just the Certificate alone?
No, the subject matter is simply too broad to be covered entirely within the available classroom hours. But students have used the education they received in the Sustainable Landscape Program in conjunction with other educational and/or work experience to qualify for new positions.
Is there a certification I can use on my business card and letterhead?
If a project is satisfactorily completed, a certificate is issued. We don not currently have a symbol for business cards and letterheads.
Is the training done by industry professionals? What is the background of the Director and instructors?
Please refer to the Faculty page.
What type of faculty support will be available?
The director is available by phone or email for questions about the program or projects. The Google Group provides a great opportunity to ask questions of other professionals that have taken the program, or learn about additional seminars, educational opportunities, books, products, techniques, plants lists, information on biodiversity, and jobs.