Join the next session of Smartscape classes for landscape professionals and receive expert instruction on how to better serve your clients.
The Smartscape program is a comprehensive, research‐based training program that instructs landscape professionals in the fundamentals of design, installation, irrigation, and maintenance of low‐water‐use landscapes. The need for efficient water use, the regulatory environment, methods of water conservation in the landscape, and the principles of Xeriscape are key components of the program. The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (a Water – Use It Wisely partner), the Arizona Department of Water Resources , and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Maricopa County sponsor the Smartscape program to prepare students with the essential skills to plan, create, and care for low-water-use plants and landscapes in the desert southwest.
“In an era of ever changing [and] evolving landscape needs and requirements…it is a comfort to know that the concepts in the Smartscape Program remain timeless and relevant. The landscape professional will find it difficult to evolve to the next level without these core principles. Increased 
sales, successful marketing, business operations, financial management and professional growth in general would be difficult to realize without the foundational principles and practices taught in the Smartscape Program.” –Anthony Paredes with Desert View Landscape, LLC. The recipient of a Crescordia Award from Arizona Forward for a LEED Gold landscape design project, and a 2004 Smartscape graduate.
The program features eight classes providing 20 hours of high-quality education from University of Arizona and green industry experts. Students receive a Smartscape manual with valuable information and materials, the opportunity to earn 12 credits of continuing education units from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and instruction from professionals on the following class topics:
- Landscape Design & Renovation
- Drip Irrigation Design & Installation
- Landscape Water Management & Irrigation Controllers
- Soils, Plants, and Water
- Plant Selection and Installation
- Solutions to Plant Problems
- Desert Adapted Plants & their Maintenance
Upon graduation from the course, graduates receive a certificate of completion from the University of Arizona and a chance to market themselves as a Smartscape professional by listing their contact information in the Smartscape Online Directory at www.smartscape.org/directory.
NEXT SMARTSCAPE COURSE STARTS AUGUST 4TH, 2014 and marks the 20 year anniversary of the Smartscape program in Maricopa County. Enroll today to be a part of this momentous event.
Class will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from August 4th through August 27th, from 3:00pm to 5:30pm at the Town of Gilbert North Public Works building: 900 E Juniper Ave. Gilbert, AZ 85234. The registration fee for the course is $75 (which includes all 8 classes). Seats are limited so register today by visiting www.smartscape.org. Contact Kaitlin Poe, Smartscape Program Coordinator, at kpoe@cals.arizona.edu or (602) 827-8206 with any questions.
From time to time, Water – Use It Wisely features guest bloggers who write about topics related to water and water conservation. Kaitlin Poe, is the Smartscape Program Coordinator from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County.