Water Efficient Landscaping Training Begins with High School Students
Inland Empire, CA (PRWEB) October 05, 2016 -- Chino Basin Water Conservation District (CBWCD) is proud to announce a new partnership with Chaffey Joint Union High School District (CJUHSD) to provide the first Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) training for high school students in the state.
Chaffey Joint Union High School District’s Dr. Virginia Kelsen, Executive Director of College and Careers says, “QWEL training is offering CJUHSD students the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification that will likely connect students to advantages when they seek employment. It also expands their awareness of water conservation, environmental issues and sustainability.”
The QWEL program provides an EPA WaterSense labeled certification in water wise landscaping practices for landscape professionals throughout the West.
Under the direction of CBWCD staff and Elliot Joyner, a Landscape Design and Turf Management instructor at CJHUSD's Valley View High School Regional Occupational Program, the high school trainees will undertake 20 hours of instruction on principles of landscape water management, proper plant selection for the local climate, irrigation system design and maintenance, and irrigation system programming and operation. The curriculum is specifically tailored to the Inland Empire area to help reduce the demand of limited water resources.
Montclair High School student Raul Huerta said, “When I graduate I want to start my own landscaping business, and what I am learning is helping me more than I could ever imagine.” “QWEL has taught me so much about plants and soils. I now know how to group plants at home based on their water requirements,” stated Anthony Godinez, a student at Valley View High School. Yesenia Aguayo from Montclair High School shared, “I am excited to learn about water efficiency and how I can help my family and friends conserve water at their homes. This is something I can be proud of.”
Whether they use their new skills at home or in the workforce, CBWCD proudly welcomes a new group of water stewards to the region.
The next round of English QWEL training for the public is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Oct 12. To learn more and to sign up, please visit http://www.cbwcd.org/QWEL or call 909-626-2711. To see a list of local QWEL professionals, visit http://www.cbwcd.org/QWELgrads.
Founded in 1949, CBWCD owns and maintains groundwater recharge basins and offers water conservation education, demonstration and training programs through its Water Conservation Campus and demonstration garden and with community partners throughout the region.
Drew Ready, Chino Basin Water Conservation District, http://www.cbwcd.org, +1 (909) 626-2711, [email protected]
Share this article