Welcome to AHTA

The American Horticultural Therapy Association advocates on behalf of the professional interests of horticultural therapy practitioners, researchers, and educators. Learn more | AHTA Brochure

Now Open: Nominations for the Charles A. Lewis Excellence in Research Award

Nominations due by March 19, 2021

This award is given to a research scientist or research scientists who have published outstanding horticultural therapy research in a horticultural or medical journal. It recognizes contributions to evidence-based research that demonstrates the effectiveness of horticultural therapy and serves to increase the awareness of research-based findings supporting the health benefits offered through horticulture. 

Recipients will be invited to present their paper at the Virtual AHTA/IPPS 2021 Joint Annual Conference.

Submit a Nomination

2021 AHTA/IPPS Joint Annual Conference Call for Abstracts

Abstracts for the 2021 AHTA/IPPS Virtual Joint Annual Conference are now being accepted. This event, now to be held in a virtual format, is set for October 29–30, 2021, and is a joint symposium encompassing the 15th International People Plant Symposium, the 48th American Horticultural Therapy Association Annual Conference, and the 2nd International Symposium on Horticultural Therapies.

Learn More and Submit a Proposal

Understanding Horticulture for Health and Well-being Webinar Series

The American Horticultural Therapy Association and the International People Plant Council have produced a free webinar series titled, “Understanding Horticulture for Health and Well-being.”

The series aims to share innovations in the field and highlights efforts to promote health, wellness and quality of life through horticulture. The webinars provide attendees with the opportunity to learn and interact with practitioners, educators, and researchers in diverse locations and regions.

For more information about the webinars, contact Dr. Candice Shoemaker, Kansas State University, at [email protected]. Questions regarding registration for continuing education hours should be addressed to [email protected], with the subject line "Horticulture Webinar Series."

The American Horticultural Therapy Association Board of Directors acknowledges the racism and pain that has recently triggered a wave of protest across the country. The AHTA stands united against any form of racism, discrimination, and injustice. We admire and respect the generous work of our Black colleagues. The plants we use in our profession are powerful symbols of community and diversity. The AHTA is committed to ensuring all our diversity and inclusion goals align with our Code of Ethics. As we continue our mission to encourage the pursuit of outstanding standards of practice and disseminate critical knowledge across diverse constituent audiences, we strive to make the pursuit of horticultural therapy equitable, broadly accessible, and universally welcoming. We acknowledge the importance of examining what may stand in the way of becoming a more inclusive field, as diverse as the populations we proudly serve.

AHTA COVID-19 Updates

Updated December 2020

The majority of AHTA members renew at this time of the year. We recognize the many hardships that have stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic and extend our thanks and appreciation for your membership. 

If you are experiencing financial difficulties but would like to continue your membership please contact the AHTA Office. We value your membership, and appreciate that you want to stay connected and support the profession of horticultural therapy.