Full course description
Program summary:
The Green Park Operations Certificate Program consists of four web-based courses, each culminating with an assessment and an applied assignment that relates to your organization.
The certificate program provides the student with effective knowledge of sustainability best practices within the context of park and public land operations; such as learning how agencies may improve energy efficiency, conserve water, incorporate the use of non-toxic and sustainable materials, and effectively manage waste in ways that reduce impact on the environment, have a positive impact on human health, and decrease life-cycle costs for operations and maintenance activities.
Program objectives:
After completing this certificate program, learners should be able to:
- Provide a definition of sustainability as it relates to parks and public lands.
- List multiple green park operations in the categories of energy efficiency, water conservation, materials and substances, and waste management for your park and public lands, facilities, and programs.
- Gather internal and external support for your green park operations efforts.
- Describe how to operate a composting system for landscapes and grounds.
- Give three examples of landscapes and grounds operating decisions that conserve water.
- Identify strategies for the long-term management of green park operations as it relates to landscapes and grounds.
Recommended background:
This course of study is intended for managers and maintenance/operation employees of park and public lands agencies, but may be applicable to those in similar fields. There are no required prerequisites to take this program.
Program topics:
- Course 1: Introduction to Green Park Operations
- Course 2: Maintenance Management and Administration
- Course 3: Landscape and Grounds
- Course 4: Programs and People
The certificate program includes the following elements:
- Four self-paced, self-study e-courses
- Companion assignments, which allow you to apply what you have learned in the courses and are reviewed by course instructors, with substantive feedback provided
- Informational text
- Interactive learning activities
- Real world examples and case studies
- Supplemental reference materials
- Informal quizzes
- Final assessments
These courses are self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the courses as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing the content and activities in each course module, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of all course module quizzes and assignments, you will be awarded a program certificate of completion.
Creators:
This certificate program was designed and developed by the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.