University of Nevada, Reno Extension invites local green-industry professionals, including landscapers, groundskeepers and nursery workers, to attend the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) training Nov. 13-15. The free training series will prepare participants to take the certification exam offered Nov. 16 to become certified QWEL professionals.

“This training provides the opportunity for green-industry professionals to step up their education, making them more competitive in the industry and training them to help Nevadans become more water efficient,” Extension Horticulture Specialist Heidi Kratsch said.

Instructors include Extension faculty and local green-industry professionals. Participants will learn about local water, soil and plants; basic and advanced irrigation principles; and hands-on water audit skills they can use in the field.

Anyone can take the training for personal knowledge, and professionals are encouraged to take the exam following the training, 9 a.m. – noon, Nov. 16, to become certified. Workshops will be held:

• Nov. 13, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Nov. 14, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Nov. 15, 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

The training and exam are free for participants, as the costs are being covered by the Truckee Meadows Water Authority, which is cosponsoring the training. Participants will receive the classroom and hands-on water audit training, along with a reference manual. The training and certification exam are at the Extension office at 4955 Energy Way in Reno.

The training is part of Extension’s Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Certification (QWEL) Program. Professionals certified by the program, which was designed by the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership and is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency, will be listed on the EPA’s WaterSense website and on the QWEL.net website, where local landowners can find QWEL-certified professionals for hire. In addition, certified QWEL professionals can use the QWEL logo on their vehicles and business cards as a means of marketing their qualifications to their customers.

Register online by Nov. 6. For more information on the training or certification, contact Megan Andrews at 775-336-0257.

Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.