The course will meet over 6 weekly sessions on Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. ET: Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, Apr. 7

This comprehensive 6-week program organized in collaboration with Re:wild Your Campus equips grounds managers, sustainability directors, and facilities staff with the tools to transition from conventional to organic landscape management. Participants will learn tools for how to phase out and eventually eliminate synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, improve soil health, and design campus landscapes that are ecologically resilient, student-engaging, and climate-aligned. Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to implement sustainable practices across diverse institutional landscapes.

Participants will engage in the development of campus-specific Organic Landcare Plans that integrate organic integrated pest management (OIPM), policy frameworks, and community engagement strategies. The course also includes tailored implementation planning, peer cohort building, and real-world case studies from diverse campuses.

This course is also open to students as well as faculty to understand more in depth about the grounds management practices and better equip them to work with the staff and communicate to them the solutions. If you are a student interested in landscape architecture or ecological landscaping, this would be for you.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Assess current campus landscape practices and identify opportunities for transitioning to organic management.
• Develop and implement site-specific organic management plans that enhance soil health and ecological resilience.
• Apply pesticide-free strategies for weed, pest, and fertility management using compost and biological amendments.
• Design, execute, and evaluate organic pilot projects while pursuing relevant certifications and aligning with AASHE STARS.
• Integrate rewilding principles and foster cross-departmental collaboration to support long-term sustainable campus landscapes.

Through a blend of theory, practice, and peer learning, this program will help higher education institutions legitimize and scale sustainable grounds management. Participants will leave with actionable steps, institutional frameworks, and a regional support network to continue advancing organic campus landcare.

Key Details

Schedule:

The course will meet over 6 weekly sessions on Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. ET: Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, Apr. 7. All sessions will be recorded and made available to registered participants.

Registration Fees*

Team Discounts: Full price for first registrants and 20% off for each subsequent registrant.
Scholarships: A limited number are available to individuals who need financial assistance to participate. Please apply two weeks before the program begins to be considered for a scholarship for this workshop.

* To check if your organization is a current AASHE member, please search the AASHE Membership Directory.

**Are you interested in sponsoring this course?

Are you a business interested in contributing to the course in more ways than just as a participant? A variety of sponsorship options are available please contact Daita Serghi at education@aashe.org for more information. See below for confirmed sponsors.

Registration Policies:

• Registration deadline is March 3, 2026.
• Payment is accepted in the form of Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.
  If you need to pay by check or ACH, please contact us at least 5 weeks prior to the event start date. Registration using these forms of payment must be received 4 weeks prior to the event start date and full payment must be received by AASHE within 2 weeks of event start date.
• Cancellation Policy: A 20% processing fee applies to any cancellation processed up to ten days before the program starts. No refunds will be given after that date.
• No substitutions are allowed.
• Registered participants will receive access to the recording after the live event.
• Review all Terms & Conditions.

Register today

Facilitators

Aliza Mchugh, Senior Director of Partnerships, Re:wild Your Campus
Aliza is a graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in Human Geography and Society & Environment. While in school she conducted research about food systems in the United States prison system which continues to surround her advocacy for supporting marginalized communities. She has worked for environmental non-profits such as Global Green and Environmental Grantmakers Association and after graduating served as an Americorps member for a youth development non-profit in San Francisco. She lives in Hood River Oregon working in sustainable tourism and community development. Aliza is currently the Director of Partnerships for Re:wild Your Campus, hoping to bridge university campaigns and related national and local groups to enhance student advocacy. She serves as a core member for the RYC team in helping with strategy, development, and fellowship guidance.

Shannon Britton, Assistant Director Grounds and Waste Management, Seattle University

Shannon Britton has been Grounds Manager for Seattle University since 2009, where she partners with campus gardeners, students, faculty, staff and local businesses to help fulfill her objectives for integrating exceptional organic and sustainable care for university grounds as learning laboratory and notable gardens in the city.

She facilitates integrated processes for best practices that includes organic, pesticide free and sustainable care for various types of gardens, lawns and athletic fields. Under her leadership Grounds employs students throughout the year who work with gardeners to learn and gain skills in each of the areas mentioned above. Along with developing a strong work ethic and accountability with team, community and the environment.

Education outreach efforts Shannon leads with students, interns and staff includes Arbor Day Foundations Tree Higher Education USA, Edible Campus Food Justice Initiative. She spearheaded the Connecting Geographies Group inviting local universities to participate in conversations for sharing experiences and ideas for sustainable and organic land and habitat care. Other groups Shannon participates in include, national non profit Herbicide Free Campus, SU Presidents Committee for Sustainability and SU Laudato Si Action Platform Steering Committee.

Shannon’s love for the outdoors led her to working in landscaping and maintenance early in her career. She holds a Bachelors degree in Environmental Science from WWU and a Masters of Arts in Transformational Leadership from SU School of Theology and Ministry. Her favorite ways of spending her free time include spending time with family, hiking/walks, gardening, cooking, arts and crafts.

Chip Osbourne, President, Osbourne Organics

Charles “Chip” Osborne, Jr., President of Osborne Organics, LLC, and Founder of the Organic Landscape Association has over 10 years experience in creating safe, sustainable and healthy athletic fields and landscapes through natural turf management and 35 years experience as a professional horticulturist. As a wholesale and retail nurseryman, he has first-hand experience with the pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides routinely used in the landscape and horticultural industry. Personal experience led him to believe there must be a safer way to grow plants. His personal investigation, study of conventional and organic soil science practices, and hands-on experimentation led him to become one of the country’s leading experts on growing sustainable, natural turf.

Thank you to the Sponsors for your support!

Any questions about the workshop?
Please contact Daita Serghi, education@aashe.org

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