Join ALCC’s Sustainable Landscape Management Initiative

Through our new program, Sustainable Landscape Management (SLM) Colorado, ALCC is setting the standard for landscape maintenance in Colorado. This program will:

SLM’s foundation is simple –applying the right maintenance practices at the right time.

The program consists of a manual outlining sustainable landscape management principles and practices, and a training class. Completion of the training class and a passing score on the exam following the class earns you the Sustainable Landscape Management certificate.

The SLM training program will…

• Certify public and private employees in SLM practices
• Position your municipality/company as innovative and part of the sustainability solution
• Showcase maintenance professionals as stewards of sustainability
• Demonstrate maintenance is part of the water conservation solution – not the problem
• Level the playing field for all maintenance providers by using the same standards
• Educate the public on what proper maintenance looks like
• Attract potential clients and new industry professionals

SLM manual

Sustainable Landscape Management: A Guide to More Sustainable Landscapes in Colorado by Janet Waibel defines the proper maintenance practices to conserve resources and maximize the natural beauty of our Colorado landscapes. The manual was drafted with input by landscape companies, municipalities, water providers and property managers from across the state. The manual is a required purchase for anyone registering for the SLM training classes. Order the manual here. 

SLM training classes

The SLM training and certificate program outlines sustainable landscape maintenance practices, why they are important and different from prior practices, anticipated outcome of proper techniques, and who will benefit from the application of these techniques and practices. This program is open to ALCC members only. To participate in the training class and earn the SLM certificate, attendees must be employed by an ALCC member company. Purchase of the SLM manual is required in advance of the training class. Training classes are offered several times a year and the cost is $125. For a limited time, Northern Water Conservancy District is subsidizing a portion of the registration fee for participants, bringing the registration fee to just $65. View the training class schedule here.

SLM training class details
Each training class is four hours in length. Unless otherwise specified, each class is scheduled from 8 am-noon. A copy of the SLM manual is required for each training class participant. You may purchase a manual while registering for the training class. Alternately, you can purchase a manual on site when you check in at the training class. Upon completion of the training class, attendees will receive a link to an electronic exam. The exam is 50 questions, timed, and is open book, meaning the SLM manual may be used to answer the questions. A passing score on the exam earns the SLM certificate. The passing score is 70%. Retakes are available for the exam if a passing score is not obtained on the first try (additional fees apply).

SLM certificate holders
View a list of SLM certificate holders. A certificate is required every two years via a certificate exam and payment of a renewal fee. The certificate exam fee is $50. SLM certificate holders will be contacted by email the month before their SLM certificate expires. If you are an SLM certificate holder and have not been contacted as your certificate expiration dates approaches, please contact Melissa Emdin at 720 307-5092 or [email protected].

Sustainable certification for commercial sites
In 2022, ALCC developed a companion program to SLM, the Sustainable Landscape Community designation. This program provides a designation to commercial properties maintained using SLM principles. Learn more about the program.