CBLP-A: Associate Certificate in Green Infrastructure and Conservation Landscaping

CBLP-Associate (CBLP-A) is an entry-level certificate designed to introduce youth and adults to green infrastructure practices, conservation landscaping principles, and environmental career pathways.

Delivered in collaboration with local organizations, CBLP-A equips participants with foundational knowledge while building strong connections between learners, educators, and professionals across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

This training is available in English or Spanish.

CBLP Associate Certificate

Ideal for: This certificate is ideal for individuals with little to no prior experience — including:

youth
students
seasonal workers
adults entering green infrastructure, conservation, and landscaping fields

It is also a great fit for organizations offering workforce development, summer youth jobs programs or camps, or conservation education initiatives.

A group of people wearing safety vests and outdoor gear gather around a stormwater management site, listening to an instructor.

The CBLP-A curriculum content aligned well with our program’s environmental education goals covering relevant topics of watersheds, forestry, climate, soils, and native and invasive plants.

The flexible curriculum platform and innovative staff allowed us to reach a wide array of youth crew members across the state.

– Emily Borcz, PA Outdoor Corps

What you’ll learn:

Introduction to conservation landscaping and green infrastructure
Real-world examples of stormwater management and native plant design
Principles of sustainable land care and ecological restoration
Exposure to green career pathways and job opportunities
How to observe, interpret, and care for natural spaces
Connections with certified CBLP professionals

Learning format:

Customized and flexible to meet the schedule, topic, and programmatic needs of partners
Active, hands-on learning
In-person or online options, with field component
Required core content (approx. 8 hours) plus optional modules and “lunch and learns”

A diverse group of young adults pose on a staircase inside a bright, modern building with large windows. The group appears cheerful and is part of a training program, with some people wearing name tags and casual attire.

Why choose the CBLP-A certificate:

Train-the-trainer model prepares CBLP-A partners to lead future training
Certificate of completion recognized across the region
Certificate holders qualify to take CBLP Level 1 training
Led by instructors who are regional experts in their fields
Career Technical Education (CTE) credit available in Virginia and coming soon in Maryland
Opportunities to connect with other CBLP-A partners

Program schedule:

Partner onboarding year-round, based on availability
Future trainings managed by partners on their own schedules

Let's Discuss Creating a Program

CBLP-A is delivered through partnerships with organizations across the Bay region. Each organization hosts and delivers its own version of the program, supported by CBLP.

CBLP provides:

A complete program curriculum and materials
Training for partner staff and facilitators
Guidance during your first program delivery

Certificates of completion for all CBLP-A participants
Ongoing advisory and administrative support

After the initial session, partners take the lead in managing and delivering the program, tailoring it to meet the needs of their community.

We are actively seeking partner organizations to offer CBLP-A in workforce development programs, schools, youth employment programs, camps, and other community-based settings. To learn more or become a partner, email katie@cblpro.org.