The Green Professionals Workshop will be held Jan. 9 through March 6 in  Fort Worth. Courtesy of Storyblock.

Jan. 2, 2019

Organizers of a water conservation workshop for landscape professionals are hoping it will have a trickle down effect.

The Green Professionals Workshop will be held Jan. 9 through March 6. 

The eco-friendly landscape series for professionals in the irrigation and landscape industry is hosted by Tarrant Regional Water District, Texas A&M Agri Life Extension and the city of Fort Worth.  

Dean Minchillo, Tarrant Regional Water District Conservation program manager, says instead of being geared to homeowners, the workshop aims to enlighten those performing the work of landscaping in an effort to promote water saving techniques.

“A number of folks who take the classes change their positions to be more water conscious,” says Minchillo. “We need changes throughout our entire service industry.”

Five half-day sessions are scheduled every other week for nine weeks, with classes being held at the Botanic Garden from 8 a.m. to noon in Fort Worth.   

Total cost is $75, which includes breakfast and all course materials, including a 160-page Extension publication, Earth-Kind Landscape Management. Class size is limited to 35 to allow for discussion and activities.  

The Green Professionals Program was started in 2016, initiated by suggestions from the public. 

Minchillo says that in addition to the learning opportunity, the program offers a kind of green certification.

“Tarrant Regional Water District cannot recommend any kind of entity to do any kind of work, but as a part of the green pro program, when a green pro goes through classes, we recognize them on the Tarrant Regional Water District website.”

Minchillo says the exposure offers them both a chance to attract new clients and build a relationship with their peers in the green industry. 

Minchillo says the ultimate goal is using less pesticides, fertilizers and water. 

“There is a huge opportunity to save water by doing things the right way and still have a beautiful landscape,” he said. “It’s a constantly changing industry, and a lot of people are needed.”

Green Professionals Workshop 

Hosted by: Tarrant Regional Water District, Texas A&M Agri Life Extension and the city of Fort Worth.

About: Land professionals can learn ways to establish low maintenance, water saving and attractive landscapes that fit in with our North Texas climate. That means less need for pesticides, fertilizers and water. 

When: Jan. 9 - March 6. Five half-day sessions are held 8 a.m. to noon, every other week for nine weeks.

Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard in Fort Worth.   

Cost: $75, includes breakfast and all course materials, including a 160-page Extension publication, Earth-Kind Landscape Management. Class size is limited to 35 to allow for discussion and activities.  

Info: Dean Minchillo, 817-720-4368, dean.minchillo@trwd.com 

Website 

Stay up to date on everything green in North Texas, including the latest news and events! Sign up for the weekly Green Source DFW Newsletter! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.