AHTA April 2026 Newsletter


President's Message	News & Events	Horticultural Therapy Certification	HT Activity	Sponsorship

Watching the historic lunar space mission unfold this month left many with a strong sense of awe. What the world witnessed in early April 2026 was extraordinary, bringing new views into areas of space that humans have never ventured before. In that mission, we saw exploration, bravery, collaboration, and human ingenuity at its best. At the same time, we were reminded of the extraordinary power of the natural world that surrounds us and often reminds us of something larger than ourselves.

Did you know that plants have been grown in space? At the International Space Station, NASA has grown zinnias, lettuce, radishes, and even chili peppers to better understand how plants can be sustained beyond Earth. Even in those conditions, plants remain essential.

And here, they are just as essential. Plants make up the vast majority of life on Earth, nearly 80% of global biomass. They are central to the systems that sustain us. That reality carries responsibility, particularly in our professional field. In our work, we see how powerfully plants shape human health and well-being – through engagement, regulation, and connection.

In October 2025, Richard Louv, in his keynote address at the AHTA Annual Conference, challenged us as horticultural therapy practitioners to deepen our role in reconnecting people to the natural world. He reminded us that we are stewards of that world, more specifically of the extraordinary power of plants. This is the work before us.

The Artemis II crew named their spacecraft “Integrity,” a choice that says a great deal about how their mission was approached. Their preparation, training, and high standards paved the way forward, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of high standards in professional fields. And in their remarks, we heard a deep sense of humility and respect for the natural world that surrounds us. That also resonates.

I have been especially inspired by those who stepped forward during National Horticultural Therapy Week—educating, presenting, and raising awareness about our profession and the impact of plants. This is how this work expands. This is how connection grows.

We will continue our important work, nurturing plants and people while deepening respect for the natural world. I invite you to be part of this work. Join us at our 2026 Annual Conference for a rigorous exploration of the research and evidence-based practice advancing the field. Nominate a colleague for an AHTA annual award. Sponsor our 2026 Annual Conference or the Growing Impact Youth Wellness Campaign to broaden impact. Participate in upcoming AHTA webinars to deepen learning. And with board certification on the horizon, step forward in advancing your practice through this defining gold standard for our profession.

The power of awe reminds us that life extends beyond the individual experience—it connects us to something larger, more meaningful, and more enduring. And this work—our work—is part of that.

Registration Opens May 1

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable gathering in San Francisco!

The American Horticultural Therapy Association is thrilled to announce the 2026 Annual Conference, taking place October 15–18, 2026 in San Francisco. This year’s theme, “Thriving in the Grove: Building Resilience through Horticultural Therapy,” reflects the power of plants, people, and place to foster healing and growth. And as the song reminds us—if you’re heading to San Francisco, don’t forget to wear some flowers in your hair.

The conference kicks off Thursday, October 15 with an opening evening reception and Moth-style story hour. Friday, October 16 will be held at the SF Marriott and features a keynote by Jennifer Jewell, along with presentations and a special Plants & Paws experience.

On Saturday, October 17, we move to the breathtaking San Francisco Botanical Garden for a full day of workshops, presentations, internship and supervisor connections, and a Board Certification extravaganza—culminating in a closing circle at the meaningful AIDS Memorial Redwood Grove.

The conference concludes Sunday, October 18 with a unique opportunity to visit Alcatraz Island, featuring presentations and tours of its five historic gardens.

Start planning now for an unforgettable gathering of community, learning, and inspiration.

The American Horticultural Therapy Association is thrilled to announce the 2026 Annual Conference, taking place October 15–18, 2026 in San Francisco. This year’s theme, “Thriving in the Grove: Building Resilience through Horticultural Therapy,” reflects the power of plants, people, and place to foster healing and growth. And as the song reminds us—if you’re heading to San Francisco, don’t forget to wear some flowers in your hair.

🌱 Thursday, October 15

The conference kicks off with an opening evening reception and Moth-style story hour.

🌿 Friday, October 16

Held at the SF Marriott; features a keynote by Jennifer Jewell and a special Plants & Paws experience.

🌻 Saturday, October 17

A full day at the San Francisco Botanical Garden for workshops, connections, and a Board Certification extravaganza.

🌲 Sunday, October 18

Concludes with a unique opportunity to visit Alcatraz Island and its five historic gardens.

Award winning author and podcast host, Jennifer Jewell will be joining us in San Francisco! Jennifer will serve as our keynote speaker and participate in several additional activities at the October event. Stay tuned for conference registration details.

Jennifer Jewell is the host of the national award-winning weekly public radio program and podcast Cultivating Place: Conversations on Natural History and the Human Impulse to Garden. The author of The Earth in Her Hands, 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants, Under Western Skies, Visionary Gardens and What We Sow: On the Personal, Ecological, and Cultural Significance of Seeds.

Jewell’s greatest passion is elevating the way we think and talk about gardening, the empowerment of gardeners, and the possibility inherent in the intersection between places, environments, cultures, individuals, and the gardens that bring them together beautifully–for the better of all the lives on this generous planet. Cultivating Place has several times been recognized by Garden Communicators International as Best On-Air Talent and Best Overall Broadcast Media.

In 2021, The Earth in Her Hands was honored by the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries with their Award for Excellence in Biography, and Under Western Skies received a Golden Poppy winner for the Glenn Goldman award from the California Alliance of Independent Booksellers. The members of CALIBA present The Golden Poppy Book Awards to recognize the most distinguished books written by writers and artists who make California their home.

Lana Dreyfuss LPCC, SEP, HTR

AHTA Secretary

Lana is a licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor, somatic experiencing practitioner, and horticultural therapist registered. She/they holds a MA from the University of Maryland in counseling. Currently working at United Indian Health Services in northern California, living gratefully on Tolowa Dee-ni’ land and serving Native American community members providing behavioral health services to include the modality of horticultural therapy. Lana has been serving on the AHTA Board of Directors and work teams since 2004.

We’d like to inform you that AHTA members have voted and approved by-laws changes to several membership categories. Thank you to all who participated in this process! The changes are by-law definition changes and aim to better reflect the growing professional field of horticultural therapy. The changes do not cover an update to policies and procedures. The updated membership categories will be posted to the AHTA website. No further member action is needed currently. Please know that once it is time for your membership renewal, the category title will reflect the voted change. We welcome any questions or feedback you may have to ensure you are well informed, and any change to your membership category is seamless.

Please contact us at info@ahta.org, and our member services support team would be happy to help.

"In Taiwan, horticultural activities and therapeutic horticulture are flourishing. To provide individuals interested in horticultural therapy with opportunities for in-depth professional training, Dr. Man-Li Liao HTR, has established four professional horticultural therapy courses at the university where she teaches, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan. These four courses total 12 credits and 216 hours of instruction. After AHTA's review, this curriculum has been approved as an overseas accredited HT certificate program recognized by AHTA.

In addition to meeting the AHTA content requirements, a distinctive feature of this program is its integration of hands-on practice in real-world settings. During the courses, students participate in direct fieldwork at institutions and foundations serving individuals with disabilities and special needs. In these settings, students conduct client assessments, develop intervention plans, lead horticultural therapy activities, and complete documentation and evaluation. Students are also required to develop horticultural therapy management and operation plans for disability service organizations or adult day care centers.

To further support instruction and professional preparation, a therapeutic garden has been established on the university campus as a teaching demonstration site. This setting provides students with opportunities to better understand the design features, environmental supports, and practical considerations associated with accessible garden.”

— Dr. Man-Li Liao HTR

Rhea McCandliss Award – Professional Service

Presented to a registered AHTA member (HTM, or HTR) in recognition of significant contributions to the field of horticultural therapy.

Alice Burlingame Award – Humanitarian Service

Given to an individual or organization that has generously given time, talent, and energy in ways that hold special significance for horticultural therapy at the local, state, or national level.

Anne Mavromatis Award – Student Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship recognizes academic achievement and supports the professional growth of a horticultural therapy student. In addition to the scholarship, the recipient receives two nights of lodging for the conference.

John Walker Award – Community Service

Honors a program that has made a significant contribution to horticultural therapy through community-based services.

AHTA Therapeutic Garden Award

Celebrates excellence in therapeutic garden design and programming in existing landscapes created and maintained for therapeutic purposes.

All 2026 award recipients will receive a complimentary registration to the AHTA Annual Conference held in San Franscico this Fall as a way to honor their achievements and support a culture of excellence across our profession.

Nomination Deadline: May 1st, 2026

We are creating a network for horticultural therapy and other nature-based therapy practitioners working in the Southwest region. Broadly, our goal is to connect HT/TH practitioners, allied professionals, and aspiring practitioners in an inclusive community where we share resources, facilitate mentorship, co-create projects and learning opportunities, and advance the profession and practice in our region! We want to know how we can best support each other through this network- so we’d love your input!

If you’d like to get involved, or just simply join the list serve, please reach out to Philippa Johnstone, Director of Horticultural Therapy at Tucson Botanical Gardens, at pjohnstone992@gmail.com.

AHTA is powered by its members—and the future starts with you! As we look ahead to the next 50 years, we’re calling on passionate leaders ready to make a real impact. If you bring expertise in marketing, social media, partnerships, publishing, education, events, or exam development, there’s a place for you at the table. Help shape the future of AHTA and elevate the profession by stepping up to volunteer!

Nominations to serve on the AHTA Board of Directors are open now through April 1, 2026! Don’t miss your chance to lead AHTA into the future!

The countdown to the certification exam for the Horticultural Therapist–Board Certified (HT–BC) credential continues. The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) is pleased to have announced the launch of its first professional credentialing exam, scheduled to take place 6 months from now — in October 2026.

While some details are still being finalized, we want to keep our community informed and share what you can expect as this important credentialing process takes shape.

Applications for the HTR will stop being accepted July 1, 2026
Applications for the HT-BC will start being accepted July 1, 2026
Exam Handbook to be ready for review August 1, 2026
First HT-BC exam window is October 31 through November 14, 2026.

🍃 What is the AHTA Certification?

The AHTA Certification is a formal recognition that an individual has met established professional standards in horticultural therapy. It assures employers, clients, and the public that certified professionals possess the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to practice effectively and ethically.

The certification process includes: - Defined education requirements - Verified professional experience - Successful completion of a comprehensive examination

Certification vs Certificate - A certificate is awarded upon completion of an educational program (e.g., AHTA-accredited horticultural therapy courses) - Certification is a formal, third-party evaluation process that includes eligibility requirements, testing, and ethical standards.
✅ A certificate does not equate to professional certification

🌱 Exam Content: Core Domains

The HT–BC examination is based on six key professional domains identified through the large-scale 2022 Job Task Analysis:

Horticulture
Treatment Planning
Program Planning & Activity Design
Managing Human Resources
Business Practices, Safety & Ethics
Professionalism & Scholarship

These domains reflect the essential knowledge areas for effective horticultural therapy practice.

🌼 Who is this Certification For?

The Horticultural Therapist–Board Certified (HT–BC) credential is designed for individuals seeking formal recognition as professional horticultural therapists.

It is expected that the HT–BC will eventually replace the current HTR designation as the primary credential in the field.

🌳 Why Certification Matters

Certification supports both individual professionals and the field as a whole:

Professional Credibility – Verifies expertise and ethical practice
Standardized Practice – Aligns professionals with best-practice guidelines
Demonstrated Competence – Combines education, skill development, and experience
Stronger Recognition – Builds public awareness and professional identity
Ongoing Growth – Requires continued learning and engagement

Together, certification strengthens the roots of horticultural therapy for future generations.

🌷 Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen to the HTR designation? AHTA will stop accepting new HTR applications approximately three months before the HT–BC exam launch (anticipated July 1, 2026). Current HTRs and HTMs may continue using their designations. The HT–BC credential is optional for existing professionals, but will be required for new applicants after that point.

Will this affect the THP designation? No. The Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner (THP) designation will remain unchanged.

How do I know if I’m eligible to sit for the certification exam? Eligibility will include education and experience criteria similar to HTR requirements, with an additional pathway for those in allied professions. These pathways align with national standards for professional certification.

Will there be study materials or prep courses for the exam? AHTA intends to provide recommended resources, sample questions, and guidance. The exam will be based on what qualified practitioners are expected to know through training and experience.

How long is the certification valid?
The HT–BC is expected to be valid for five years. Renewal will include continuing education and/or ongoing professional activity.

🍂 Stay Connected

More information regarding: - Eligibility requirements - The exam handbook - Continuing education expectations - Application timelines

…will be announced later this year. We encourage members to regularly visit the AHTA website for updates. https://www.ahta.org/certification

Thank you for being a vital part of the growing field of horticultural therapy.

We’re building something different for 2026.

Research shows: Sponsorship value now centers on meaningful interaction and emotional connection, nor just visibility. In other words, experiential sponsorship drives stronger outcomes.

At the 2026 AHTA Annual Conference, we are expanding immersive experience opportunities — experiences sponsors can stand behind that fuel learning, connection, and inspiration for conference attendees. Plant-rich environments and allied professional partnerships will shape dynamic spaces that advance horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture in real time.

When your organization invests in AHTA-led immersive experiences, your name becomes connected to evidence-informed practice, professional leadership, and transformative wellness environments that activate human well-being and establish long-term connection. That is the kind of presence people remember.

Explore AHTA’s 2026 Annual Conference Signature Experiences: Plants & Paws, Pioneers & Pathways, and the Resilience Lab. Visit AHTA’s website and access our AHTA Annual Conference Partnership & Sponsorship Guide here.

Before you get bogged down in garden plans, seed orders, and supply lists, why don't you and your clients spend a moment dreaming of your garden!

A garden dream board is a simple and creative way to start the season. For today, let the right (creative) side of our brains take the lead and kindly ask the left side—the one that worries about logistics—to wait its turn. Sometimes imagination deserves the spotlight. What does this dream garden feel like? What colors, textures, and experiences do you want it to hold?

Gather a few seed catalogs, gardening magazines, or even printed photos. Let people flip through the pages and tear or snip out anything that catches their eye—lush flower borders, overflowing vegetable beds, bouquet ingredients, winding garden paths, buzzing pollinators, or a peaceful seating area. Does the order and symmetry of Versailles appeal, or perhaps something more wild and free? Maybe a water feature, wind chimes, or even garden gnomes would take it over the top.

You might also add words or phrases that capture what you and your clients want the garden to bring into your lives: abundance, calm, curiosity, beauty, community, joy?

Arrange the pieces on a poster board. You might organize them thoughtfully, grouping ideas and colors together—or you might glue them down with reckless abandon. There is no right or wrong way to build a dream board. The goal is simply to let our imaginations run wild.

For HT/TH programs, this activity can be especially meaningful. Clients can reflect on their hopes, interests, and personal goals through images and words. Dream boards can be created individually as a personal vision, or collaboratively as a team to imagine what a shared garden space might become.

Once finished, hang the dream board somewhere you’ll all see it regularly. It becomes a visual reminder of the possibilities ahead and a source of inspiration throughout the season.

In later sessions, you can begin turning those dreams into action—thinking about garden layout, organization, seed starting, and plant selection. But today is not about logistics.

Today, the only rule is simple: Dream BIG

AHTA announces its new website! The AHTA website www.ahta.org has been updated with dynamic pages of current information and ease of access! As we finalize some of the content AHTA wants to extend our sincerest apologies for the unexpected delays in completing the updated website. Some users have experienced difficulties accessing the membership sections. Clearing browser cache typically resolves this issue. During the integration we encountered unforeseen technical complexities that required extensive work to ensure the website’s functioning. We anticipate the website will be completed soon!Thank you all for your incredible patience and understanding as we work to bring you the improved experience you deserve!

AHTA receives numerous requests for information from students in Horticultural Therapy educational programs and applicants for the Horticultural Therapist – Registered regarding the internship requirements for registration. A list of internship sites that meet the requirements for HTR internships, as well as the list of approved Intern Supervisors, are available on the AHTA website. We ask for your help to update those lists.

If you are part of a program that is currently on the list of Intern Sites, AHTA members please check your program and contact information on the AHTA website Internship Sites. If you need to make updates, contact the AHTA office at info@ahta.org .

If you know of a program that is already hosting HTR interns and is not listed, or you are part of a program that would like to be listed as an internship site, please go to the Internship Site Questionnaire on the Horticultural Therapy Internship webpage, under the Professional Registration tab. If you have been a HTR for at least 1 year and would like to be listed on the website as an Intern Supervisor, please complete the application at Intern Supervisor Application.

If you have any questions, please contact the AHTA OFFICE.

The AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture had been approved for the OpenAccess Model and is now available on Google Scholar. Did you know that you can access the copies of the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture by going to Google Scholar, putting in the “AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture” in the search window and to narrow down your search add the volume number from the AHTA list of Journal. Click HERE to learn more. While considering publishing in the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture consider that as members of AHTA there is no charge for the Article Processing Charge (APC) while nonmembers pay $300. Another great way to become a member! Hoping to see more submissions that will go out to all!

Not a member of AHTA? Join today! AHTA's membership is comprised of Individuals who are passionate about the unique benefits of horticultural therapy as a therapeutic modality. Members are committed to the growth of the profession. Membership in the AHTA will keep you up to date on the latest in horticultural therapy news, as well as give you access to outstanding educational and networking opportunities.

Did you know? AHTA members benefits include free webinars and free article processing fees for the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture! Another two new reasons to join!

March 2026 Newsletter

Registration Opens May 1

Registration Opens May 1!

2026 AHTA Conference Keynote Speaker

Jennifer Jewell

🌿 Webinar – Tuesday, April 28th

Credentialing the Profession of Horticultural Therapy" HT-BC Exam with Lana Dreyfuss

Members Vote 'Yes' for Membership Category Changes

Webinar Work Team- Looking for Speakers

AHTA Accredits First International Horticultural Therapy Certificate Program

Spread the Word: Share Your HT Events with AHTA

Call for Nomination: 2026 AHTA Awards!

Do you know someone, or a program or garden, that deserves recognition?

Southwest Regional Network Now Forming

Nominations for the AHTA Board of Directors are being accepted until May 1!

🌿 Countdown to the HT–BC Certification Exam

We’re building something different for 2026.

HTR Internship Sites and Intern Supervisors Information Updates

AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture

AHTA HTR Database Search Option

Become a Member

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