MEDIA CONTACT: Charles R. Loebbaka at (847) 491-4887 or at c-loebbaka@northwestern.edu

September 17, 2003

New Landscape Program Offered With Arboretum

EVANSTON, Ill. --- It just got a little easier to be green.

A series of new Landscape Design and Management certificate programs jointly offered by The Morton Arboretum and Northwestern University will help landscape professionals reap profits from the gardens they sow. The programs begin in October with classes taught at both Northwestern’s Evanston campus and the Arboretum in Lisle.

The unique partnership brings together leading experts in horticulture and business. “It’s an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in the art and science of landscaping,” says Jan Little, the Arboretum’s Manager of Horticulture Education. Little notes that this is the only program in the Chicago area specifically for green industry professionals or people looking to enter the industry as career changers. “Green industry surveys show that employers want more business training and deeper expertise in horticulture and design,” Little says. “These certificate programs fill this need.”

Three certificate programs are available: Residential Landscape Design, Green Industry Business Essentials, and Horticulture Management.

Within these programs, participants attend a series of classes ranging from one course to obtain their certificate in Green Industry Business Essentials to the six-course series in Residential Landscape Design. Most courses meet one evening per week, for terms ranging from five to 10 weeks.

“Students can take the classes at their own pace,” says Jack Clegg, assistant dean at Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies. “The program is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing students to focus on the skill sets most needed for their success in landscape design and management.” Taught by industry and academic experts, students will gain the practical, real-world skills that employers seek.

For more information regarding the landscaping programs, visit www.mortonarb.orgor www.scs.northwestern.edu/landscape. Registration is available online at www.scs.northwestern.edu/landscape, by fax at (312) 503-4942, or in person at 339 E. Chicago Ave., Wieboldt Hall, 6th floor, Chicago. For more information, call (312) 503-3715.

Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies provides a broad range of educational programs offered part-time in the evening. From certificate and bachelor’s degree programs to master’s degree and professional development programs, the School of Continuing Studies has a program to match the needs and interests of adult learners. Locations include 339 E. Chicago Ave. in Chicago, and 2120 Campus Drive in Evanston. Visit www.scs.northwestern.edu for program information.

The Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of more than 3,400 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants displayed in woodlands, gardens, restored tallgrass prairie, and other natural areas. Established in 1922 by Joy Morton, founder of the Chicago-based Morton Salt Company, the Arboretum’s mission is the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. The Arboretum offers an extensive array of year-round family activities and education opportunities for visitors of all ages. Located at 4100 Illinois Rte. 53 in Lisle, Ill., the Arboretum is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (DST) and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST). Admission is free, with a $7 per-car entry fee for nonmembers. Visit www.mortonarb.org to learn more.