Press Release

Metropolitan Education District 760 Hillsdale Ave San Jose, CA 95136 August 05, 2009

Contact: Michelle Alaimo Communication Specialist (408) 723-6464 malaimo@metroed.net

Santa Clara Valley Green Gardener Program at MAEP

Metropolitan Adult Education Program’s (MAEP) Santa Clara Valley Green Gardener class is now offered in English and Spanish at MAEP’s Erikson Adult Center, 4849 Pearl Avenue, San Jose.

The Green Gardener class is designed for landscape professionals and is a collaborative program between MAEP, the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPP), and the Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County. The Green Gardener program was developed by Santa Barbara County to help reduce chemical and pesticide pollution in creeks and bays. Santa Clara County is the third county in the state to use the program and MAEP first offered the class in the spring of 2008. To date, more than 70 individuals have completed the class.

Each two-hour weekly session is taught by experts on landscaping practices. Students will learn sustainable landscaping practices such as how to reduce urban runoff and storm water pollution from landscape maintenance activities; improve the appearance and value of landscapes; how to use the correct irrigation methods; and to use resources wisely.

Individuals who successfully complete the program will receive a Santa Clara Valley Green Gardener card and a certificate of completion. Those who successfully complete the program will also have their contact information listed on SCVURPP’s website at www.mywatershedwatch.org and available through the Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County.

The Spanish session will be offered on Tuesday’s beginning September 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. and the English session will be offered on Wednesday’s beginning September 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. The registration fee for the class is $120. Some scholarships are available for up to $80 for those working in the landscape maintenance business--first come/first served. Call 408-723-6450 to register or visit www.metroed.net for more information.

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MetroED is the largest career-oriented educational organization in Santa Clara County, comprised of high school and adult occupational, academic and community programs.

MetroED annually provides 30,000 diverse students with the skills to help them be productive, income-earning and tax-paying contributors to Silicon Valley.