Ecological Horticulture

The COA In Ecological Horticultures the fourth "stackable" in the new Horticulture Department scheme, complementing the  COAs in Landscape Irrigation, Landscape Pest Management and Tree Care Specialist.  Especially when combined with any of the other small COAs, it will enhance employability in various phases of landscape design, installation, management and modification, from the garden level up through ecological restoration of watersheds and ecosystems. 

It is anticipated that 5-10students per year will complete this COA.  

Upon successful completion of the program, students will demonstrate an ability to:

identify plant communities of Monterey County and at least 25 species native to California used in habitat restoration and functional landscaping.

explain the impact of landscape and nursery operations on air and water quality, energy and water consumption, wildlife habitat loss or gain, and carbon emissions.

discover, identify, monitor, assess and clearly communicate the threat of at least 3 invertebrate species, 1 vertebrate species, 5 invasive weedy plants, 2 biotic diseases, and 3 abiotic factors affecting plant success, in horticultural and restoration settings.

describe the inorganic and organic components in soil, determine soil texture, and identify three practices that support the development of soil suitable for horticultural purposes.

The COA in Ecological Horticulture is designed to prepare students to be successful in the use of native plants in landscaping as well as ecological restoration. The addition of the Bio 31 course will provide a comprehensive overview of environmental threats to the planet's life systems and help inspire participation in ecological horticulture in all its aspects, reducing the carbon footprint, water and energy use, pollution, habitat loss, etc. The three required HORT courses cover the 8 principles of ecological landscaping and explain how to incorporate them into horticultural practice.