Natural Landscaping Course

Please contact Joe Holtrop at jholtrop@jeffersoncd.org to be added to the waiting list for the next course, likely in Spring of 2025.

Course Registration: Check back in early 2025 for more information.

Click here for the course syllabus.

The interactive three-class, two-field trip course emphasizes native plants and sustainable landscape design and maintenance practices.

Conservation district manager Joe Holtrop will teach participants how to analyze the unique ecological conditions of their properties and develop site-specific landscape plans designed to meet homeowner needs while being in harmony with the environment. Holtrop, who holds master’s degrees in landscape architecture and adult education, has been teaching about sustainable landscaping for over 30 years. In addition to his formal education, he draws on his permaculture design training and experience, emphasizing the principle of working with rather than against nature.

Through three classes and two field trips, each 1 ½ hours in length, course participants are coached through the steps necessary to prepare individualized landscape plans that will conserve water and save time and money, while also enhancing wildlife habitat and biodiversity. Emphasis is on native plants and sustainable landscape design and maintenance practices.