The certification program includes three days of classroom instruction and a one-day field exercise designed to equip professional landscape and marine contractors to design, implement and maintain natural shoreline landscapes on inland lakes. The class and certification is through the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership.

To become a Certified Natural Shoreline Professional, participants must be in attendance for the entire three days of classroom instruction, February 18, 19 and 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day in Traverse City, Mich.

Additional requirements include attending the one-day, hands-on field component and successful completion of a 100-question certification exam — both on June 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. near Petoskey, Mich.

Registration fee is $375.00 and includes four days of instruction, certification exam, reference manual and lunch each day.

To sign up or learn more, see: Additional information and a downloadable registration form