Basic Certificate
The Basic Certificate familiarizes students with the plants of New England, emphasizing structures, skills, and processes.
The Basic Certificate begins with foundational courses that provide native plant vocabulary, morphology, physiology, ecological context, evolution, and relationships. All Basic Certificate courses are offered twice per year, rotating between virtual and in-person options for core curriculum requirements.
Note: Enrollment in the Certificate Program is not required to take certificate program courses.
Core Curriculum
Plant Form and Function (on hold until 2027*)
An introduction to botany covering the basics of plant anatomy and physiology and the fundamentals of the plant kingdom.
Plant Ecology (on hold until 2027*)
Explore the distribution and abundance of plants and their interactions with other organisms and surrounding physical environment
Plant Families (on hold until 2027*)
Learn how to recognize characteristic patterns among twelve flowering plant families in New England through basic botanical terminology and identification techniques.
Wildflowers of New England
A comprehensive introduction to New England’s native wildflowers and to their ecology, and conservation.
Native New England Shrubs
Learn to identify many of the native New England shrub species based on variations in size, shape, color, bark, flower, and fruit.
Framework Trees of New England
Observe natural and human disturbance on the landscape and learn how past and current practices shape forest dynamics today.
Understanding and Managing Soils
Explore the biotic and abiotic components of native Northeast soils and discuss best soil management practices.
*We are excited to launch an updated and enhanced online basic botany sequence in spring 2027. These new courses will provide expanded opportunities for students to cultivate their skills as observers and stewards of the green world while learning crucial details about the dynamic roles plants play in their broader environments, their structures, and how we name and classify them. Please contact Public Programs Manager Giffen Maupin for any questions.
Additional Requirements
Six (6) Elective Course Hours**
One (1) Field Study
One (1) Landscape Study
Community Service Project: 15 hours
Students apply their newly learned skills by completing a Native Plant Community Service Leadership Project that benefits the community and further our mission, such as design and installation of native plant gardens, landscape restorations, and native plant program development.
Final portfolio
A summary portfolio detailing certificate requirements, including Community Service Project summary.
The total cost of the Basic Certificate is approximately $2,000 in course fees and will vary based on the electives, field study, and landscape study courses taken. Additional costs include required texts (~$250) and supplemental supplies such as a 10X hand lens, a plant ID book or two, a clipboard, notebook, pens/pencils, water bottle, hat, backpack, sunblock and insect repellant, and comfortable sneakers or boots for walking.
**Must include electives in both botany and horticulture.