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 over 4 weeks. This includes two 2-hour Zoom sessions per week and one 4-hour in-person practicum. Participants must attend the in-person practicum at Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens in Long Beach
Dates: August 4 - 29, 2026
Location: Online via Zoom and in-person at Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens in Long Beach.

Course Schedule

Week 1

Tuesday, August 4, 6:00–8:00 PM — Online
Thursday, August 6, 6:00–8:00 PM — Online

Week 2

Tuesday, August 11, 6:00–8:00 PM — Online
Thursday, August 13, 6:00–8:00 PM — Online

Week 3

Tuesday, August 18, 6:00–8:00 PM — Online
Thursday, August 20, 6:00–8:00 PM — Online

Week 4

Tuesday, August 25, 6:00–8:00 PM — Online
Thursday, August 27, 6:00–8:00 PM — Online
Saturday, August 29, 8 AM - 12:30 PM — In-person at Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens in Long Beach. Mandatory class.

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 4 hours of online instruction only. Participants must attend the in-person practicum on August 29 at Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens in Long Beach.

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.

Learn More About Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch & Gardens

Rancho Los Alamitos is a historic Long Beach property that preserves and interprets more than 200 years of California history. The site features beautifully maintained gardens, historic buildings, and exhibits that tell the story of the land's Native American, ranching, and agricultural heritage. Today, Rancho Los Alamitos serves as a cultural and educational resource, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the connections between history, horticulture, and the Southern California landscape.

Rancho Los Alamitos Website

Instagram: @rancho_los_alamitos

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.

Contact the host of CA Native Plant Landscaper Certification (Long Beach) — August Cohort (26CNPLC TPF10)

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