Partnership Helps WEF Bring Green Infrastructure Training to Parks Professionals

The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) is partnering with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA; Ashburn, Va.) to adapt the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program (NGICP) curriculum into a form that can be used to train public land-management professionals throughout the country.

In May, NRPA will partner with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to host a two-and-a-half-day NGICP training for park professionals in Philadelphia. NRPA will award 25 applicants with scholarships to attend the training and sit for the certification exam. The event will help provide skills and knowledge that the attendees need to construct, inspect, and maintain high-quality green infrastructure projects in the parks they manage.

“Green infrastructure provides many benefits to our environment and communities, from reducing stormwater pollution to beautifying areas, but it must be properly installed and maintained,” said Eileen O’Neill, WEF executive director. “We are thrilled to partner with NRPA to provide a training program in green infrastructure for professionals at municipal parks throughout the country.”  

The NGICP program is designed to meet international best practice standards and provides a tool to meet a range of needs including professional development. Opportunities are offered to certify individuals, become program partners, trainers, sponsors, or supporters of certifications. NGICP seeks to work with philanthropic groups to reach under-represented members of the workforce and rural communities.