This training is 100% in-person at Theodore Payne Foundation. Take advantage of this rare opportunity!

The California Native Plant Landscaper Certification (CNPLC) is a 20-hour vocational training program, developed by the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants in partnership with the California Native Plant Society. This course provides landscape professionals with the skills and knowledge to successfully care for Southern California native plants and ecologically sustainable horticultural landscapes. Delivered in either a hybrid format (online and in-person) or fully in-person, the program includes eight comprehensive lessons and two in-person practicums for hands-on training.

Who is This Course For?

This course is designed for:

Individuals currently employed in or pursuing a career in landscape or garden maintenance, care, design, or education in Southern California.
Professionals looking to expand their expertise in sustainable landscaping and native plants.

Course Details

Instruction Language: English
Time Commitment: 20 hours—this includes five, four hour in-person classes at Theodore Payne Foundation with a 30 minute lunch break. You must commit to attending 4 out of 5 classes (16 hours); you may miss up to one day of class (4 hours).
Format: In-person

Location: Theodore Payne Foundation in Sun Valley

Course Schedule

Tuesday, December 15 — 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday, December 16 — 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Thursday, December 17 — 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Friday, December 18 — 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, December 19 — 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Certification Requirements

A minimum attendance of 80% of the course (16 out of 20 hours) is required to receive certification. You may miss up to one day of class (4 hours). Participants must attend 4 out of 5 classes.

Completion of 8 quizzes and 4 online assignments is also required.

There are no make-up options for missed classes.

Course Materials

Included with the course:

Student Handbook – Printed and digital.
Native Plant Flashcards – A comprehensive, portable reference tool featuring visual guides, growth patterns, landscape uses, and water needs. (No digital option)
Access to the Professional Education Portal – An online resource continually updated with educational materials, learning opportunities, and networking events.

Course Objectives

By completing this course, participants will:

Understand the ecological importance of native plants and their role in sustainable landscaping.
Identify and care for a variety of Southern California native plants, considering their environmental and aesthetic applications.
Apply sustainable practices in soil management, irrigation, pest control, and pruning tailored to native plants.
Gain greater familiarity with resource-efficient, low-maintenance, and ecologically sound landscape design and implementation principles.
Knowledgeably communicate the value of native plant landscaping within professional networks and to clients/crews/managers/organizations.
Apply new skills to career advancement and landscaping best practices and advocate for sustainable landscaping practices.

Lessons

Lesson 1 - Introduction
Lesson 2 - Plants
Lesson 3 - Soils
Lesson 4 - Irrigation
Lesson 5 - Design
Lesson 6 - Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Lesson 7 - Pruning
Lesson 8 - Implementation
Practicums - Irrigation & Pruning

Refund Policy

Due to limited availability and program requirements, registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please ensure you are able to commit to the full schedule and certification requirements before registering. We appreciate your understanding.

Please contact professional-ed@theodorepayne.org for any questions.

Please note that the TPF Member Discount is not applicable to professional education programing.

CA Native Plant Landscaper Certification (In-Person) — December Cohort (26CNPLC TPF14)

Choose your tickets

Professional Certification Enrollment ticket