July 15, 2005

For more information, contact: Kimberly Stark at (901) 333-4023 or (901) 489-4771

Landscape and Turfgrass Management Program Receives Accreditation from PLANET
Article written by: Vicki Armstrong

The Landscape and Turfgrass Management Program at Southwest Tennessee Community College has received accreditation from the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), one of the largest landscape professional organizations in the nation. The program at Southwest offers an Associate of Applied Science degree with concentrations in turfgrass management and landscape management. This accreditation will afford students more opportunities to network with other professionals in the green industry. It is also the beginning of a student chapter of PLANET, which will be actively involved in national field days and community projects.

In addition to the Associate of Applied Science Degree, the Landscape and Turfgrass Management Program offers Technical Certificates for individuals who already have a degree or who want training in landscape management or turfgrass management. The certificates will prepare them for an entry level position in the landscape or turfgrass management industry.

For those who simply want to get into gardening and lawn care, Southwest can also be of assistance. By taking Turfgrass Management I, beginners can learn to care for their lawn and choosing the appropriate grass for their situation.

Next, Landscape Design I gives beginners the information they need to plan and design their outdoor space. Finally, the Arboriculture course gives gardeners the information and techniques to grow and maintain beautiful trees, one of our greatest assets in Memphis. People who complete the Arboriculture course and have 3 years work experience will be prepared to take the ISA Certification Exam.

Other courses being offered this fall in the Landscape and Turfgrass program are: Horticulture Plant Science, Soil and Water, Horticulture Pest Management, Plant Identification I (Identification of Woody Plants), Landscape Business Management, Landscape Maintenance, Small Engines, Irrigation Techniques I, Plant Identification II (Identification and Care of Annuals and Perennials), and Golf Course Operation and Maintenance.

Registration for classes will be August 22 and 23 at both main campuses. For more information please go to our Web site www.southwest.tn.edu or contact Mike Stephens, Department Chair at (901) 333-4151 or Vicki Armstrong, Program Coordinator at (901) 333-4293.