August 2026 Newsletter

What's Included in This Month's Newsletter

President’s Message: Progress Happens Between the Milestones

In horticulture, nodes are visible markers of growth. They are the points where leaves and buds emerge, and new growth begins. But a plant does not move forward from node to node without what happens between them. Within the internodes, cells divide and elongate, tissues develop and strengthen, and the stem extends to support what comes next.

The same can be said of AHTA and our profession. Our milestones matter. They mark significant achievements and help us see how far we have come, but they are only possible because of the work that happens between them—the conversations, decisions, collaborations, problem-solving, and countless contributions that steadily move our profession forward.

Progress happens between the milestones, and there is a great deal happening in the space between ours.

Every profession depends on people who choose to contribute beyond their daily work. They bring their professional expertise, experience, and time to efforts that often happen behind the scenes, but that help shape where the profession is going. That is stewardship.

We see it across AHTA. The launch of board certification represents years of thoughtful work by professionals who generously contributed their expertise and time to the development of this important credential. Our Annual Conference will bring our professional community together in October, but the few days we spend together are made possible by more than a year of planning, collaboration, and dedicated work behind the scenes. And new strategic partnerships are forming from relationships and groundwork laid over years—creating opportunities to expand the reach and impact of horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture.

Taken together, these efforts signal something larger: a profession actively moving forward. Just as the nodes along a plant stem are connected by the living tissue that sustains continued growth, our milestones are part of something continuous. Each contribution creates capacity for what comes next and helps shape how our profession unfolds.

To everyone who has contributed their expertise, experience, and time to that work, thank you. The milestones we celebrate belong to all of us because they are built by all of us.

And there is much more ahead. AHTA’s work is expanding, and so are the opportunities to be part of it. Join a work team. Pursue board certification. Attend the Annual Conference. Share your expertise, ideas, and perspective. There are many ways to contribute, and we welcome your voice, your direction, and your dedication as we shape where our profession is going.

Progress happens between the milestones. Be part of what happens next.

With Gratitude, 

Kelly Warnick, HTR, JD

President, American Horticultural Therapy Association

WOW! BIG NEWS: AHTA 2026 Conference Tickets Are Going FAST!



October 15-18 | San Francisco, California

Good news! You now have a little more time to secure the best rate for the 2026 AHTA Annual Conference in San Francisco—but don't wait too long!

The countdown is on, and BIG NEWS: conference tickets are going FAST! At the current pace, we may actually sell out before September! If you’ve been thinking about joining us, now is the time to register.

We have an incredible four days planned across some of San Francisco’s most beautiful and inspiring gardens and gathering spaces:

🌱 Thursday, October 15 — Evening Opening Reception at the San Francisco Marriott

🌿 Friday, October 16 — A full day of presentations, connection, and learning at the San Francisco Marriott

🌺 Saturday, October 17 — Conference programming at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, including time at the AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park

🌸 Sunday, October 18 — An unforgettable day featuring a special tour and presentation at the Gardens of Alcatraz

And two things we’re hearing people are especially excited about:

📚 Jennifer Jewell’s book, The Earth in Her Hands — Many of us have already signed up to receive a signed copy!

🌿 The Alcatraz Gardens experience — And yes, it looks like most of us are already signed up for the trip. You’re going to want to be part of this one!

This is shaping up to be an AMAZING conference — inspiring places, incredible speakers, meaningful connections, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the work of horticultural therapy together.

Don’t wait! At this rate, we may be sold out before September.

REGISTER TODAY — WE WANT TO SEE YOU IN SAN FRANCISCO!

AHTA Conference Preview: Cultivating Place Meets Alcatraz Gardens!

We’re SO excited that on Thursday, August 20, the amazing Jennifer Jewell — renowned writer, host of Cultivating Place, and keynote speaker for this year’s AHTA Conference — will be interviewing another incredible woman in horticulture: Shelagh Fritz, Program Manager of the Historic Alcatraz Gardens!

Shelagh’s work at Alcatraz is truly extraordinary, and you’ll have the chance to hear more about it firsthand at our conference. Shelagh will be leading our Sunday tour and presentation at the Gardens of Alcatraz, and she’ll also join us on Friday for the panel discussion:  Growing Inside: Prison Gardens Offer Healing and Reconnection

Shelagh will be joined by other incredible professionals doing horticultural therapy work with incarcerated and justice-involved populations. It promises to be a powerful conversation about the ways gardens can create healing, connection, purpose, and hope.

So, definitely give Jennifer and Shelagh a listen on this special episode of Cultivating Place!

And if you haven’t registered for the conference yet, what are you waiting for?! Come to San Francisco this October and hear these two amazing women in person— along with so many other inspiring horticultural therapy practitioners, educators, and leaders.

🌿 Listen. Get inspired. Then register for the conference and join us in San Francisco!

THRIVE Student Bundle: An Incredible Deal!

Are you a full-time student? Or taking a class through an AHTA-accredited horticultural therapy certificate program? This deal is for you!

For just $299, the THRIVE Student Bundle gets you:

🌿 AHTA membership — with all the benefits of being part of our professional community
🌱 Registration to the 3-day AHTA Conference in San Francisco this October
🤝 Incredible opportunities to learn, connect, and build relationships that can help launch your horticultural therapy career

All of that for just $299! 🎉

But don’t wait. Three-quarters of our conference tickets are already gone, and this special student bundle is only available while conference tickets last.

If you’re a full time student OR currently enrolled in an AHTA-accredited HT certificate program, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

🌿 ACT NOW — THRIVE FOR $299!

AHTA is Pleased to Introduce the Research Corner!

Research is the foundation for advancing the profession of horticultural therapy. It provides the evidence needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of horticultural therapy interventions, strengthen professional credibility, and support informed clinical practice. As the field continues to grow, research guides best practices, informs education and credentialing standards, and expands opportunities for recognition among healthcare providers, educators, policymakers, and the public. AHTA is committed to promoting research that advances the science and practice of horticultural therapy, ensuring the profession continues to evolve with integrity, innovation, and measurable impact.

Check out this featured article

 “Effects of therapeutic horticulture on stress and anxiety

 in undergraduate vs graduate students”.

A new study from the University of Florida examined whether therapeutic horticulture affects undergraduate and graduate students differently, an important question given the unique academic and life stressors faced by each group. Researchers followed 222 students participating in an eight-session therapeutic horticulture program and found significant reductions in stress and anxiety across the board. While graduate students began the program with slightly higher levels of anxiety, both undergraduate and graduate students experienced similar improvements, suggesting that therapeutic horticulture can be an effective mental health support strategy regardless of student level.

Did you know?

You can see the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture on the AHTA website? https://www.ahta.org/journal-of-therapeutic-horticulture-2024-34-1 

You can access the copies of the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture and Horticultural Therapy Research by going to Google Scholar which has Open Access? https://scholar.google.com/  

When 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!

AHTA is Pleased to Welcome the New Southwest Regional Group!

Webinar Work Team- Looking for Speakers

The webinar work team is looking for speakers for 2026. Please let Holly Harrison or Danielle Stojan know if you have any suggestions, recommendations or would like to teach one. The work team for 2026 includes, Mike Maddox with Danielle Stojan and Holly Harrison as co-leads. The webinar work team planning meetings are the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6pm Central Time. For 2026 webinars, we are tentatively planning on September 29, October 27, & November 24.

Join an AHTA Work Team and Help Shape 

The Future of Horticultural Therapy!

Be part of the movement that continues to advance and strengthen the profession of horticultural therapy. The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) invites members to share their passion, expertise, and ideas by joining an AHTA work team.

Your voice matters. By participating in a work team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives, support AHTA’s strategic priorities, connect with fellow professionals, and expand your own leadership and professional development opportunities.

Your experience matters. Your perspective matters. Your involvement helps ensure that AHTA continues to grow as a strong, innovative, and unified professional organization.

Together, we can continue building a strong, innovative, and thriving future for horticultural therapy.

Join a work team today and make an impact!

Join the Marketing Work Team!

The Marketing Work Team expands the awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the Association through outreach, advertising, networking, and developing fundraising endeavors.

Join the Membership Work Team!

The Membership Work Team is responsible for all aspects of the AHTA membership and for developing ideas and events to increase membership in the Association.

Join the Webinar Work Team!

The webinar work team is responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of webinars related to horticultural therapy. 

Check out all work teams at https://www.ahta.org/ahta-work-teams/review-boards 

Please contact AHTA at info@ahta.org with your desired commitment!

Spread the Word: Share Your HT Events with AHTA



Have an upcoming horticultural therapy event? We’d love to help you spread the word! The new AHTA events website is a great way to share your workshops, trainings, and gatherings with like-minded people who care about plants and people. Send your event details and promotional photos to info@ahta.org and help grow awareness, connection, and participation across the HT community.

 🌿 Countdown to the HT–BC Certification Exam

Cultivating the future of horticultural therapy — together

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 3 months from now — in October 2026.

Launching in Fall 2026, the Horticultural Therapist- Board Certified (HT-BC) credential will set the gold standard for excellence in horticultural therapy. Developed in partnership with psychometric experts and grounded in comprehensive Job Task Analysis, this certification validates real-world competence and elevates professional credibility across the field.

Here are some important updates!

• Applications for the HTR have stopped being accepted July 1, 2026
• Applications for the HT-BC are now open July 1, 2026
• Exam Candidate Handbook is ready for review and on our website. https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified
• First HT-BC exam window is October 31 through November 14, 2026.
• The deadline to submit your application to AHTA is September 1, 2026!
• For all current HTRs and HTMs AHTA is offering a special inaugural examination fee of just $75.00! After the inaugural examination, the fee will increase to $450 for AHTA members and $595 for non-members.
• For all non-HTRs and HTMs (New applicants) AHTA is offering a special introductory pricing of $250.00 for the first examination cycle only! After that it will be $450.00 for members and $595.00 for nonmembers
• “Credentialing the Profession of Horticultural Therapy” recording of webinar is now available on the AHTA website home page www.ahta.org !Or click this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF7l8bQdE-g
• Did you know that the HT-BC examination can be taken internationally? Awesome news!

🍃 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:

1. Horticulture
2. Treatment Planning
3. Program Planning & Activity Design
4. Managing Human Resources
5. Business Practices, Safety & Ethics
6. Professionalism & Scholarship

These domains reflect the essential knowledge areas for effective horticultural therapy practice. Please see the Exam candidate handbook for more specifics on the knowledge areas. https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified 

🌼 Who is this Certification For?

The Horticultural Therapist–Board Certified (HT–BC) is for:

• Professionals ready to elevate their credibility and be formally recognized as credentialed horticultural therapists—raising the bar for the entire profession.
• HTRs, HTMs, and allied professionals with licensure or certification in Human Sciences or Horticulture who want to align with the emerging gold standard.
• Practitioners committed to excellence, ensuring they are fully equipped to deliver high-quality, research-based therapeutic interventions.

🌳 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? 

Current HTRs and HTMs may continue using their designations. The HT–BC credential is required for new applicants. 

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

How do I know if I’m eligible for the HT–BC exam?
Eligibility will include education and experience criteria like HTR requirements, with an additional pathway for those in allied professions. These pathways align with national standards for professional certification. Specific eligibility info: https://www.ahta.org/board-certification 

Will there be study materials or prep courses for the exam? 

AHTA has a Candidate Exam Handbook with recommended resources and guidance found on https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified .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 ongoing professional activity. Check out: https://www.ahta.org/htbc-renew for more information. 

🍂 Ready to Apply?

Step One: Find out your eligibility requirements according to our 3 Pathways for eligibility! 

• Pathway 1: Already a HTM or HTR registered with AHTA?
• Pathway 2: Educational and Professional Experience
• Pathway 3: Already certified or licensed in a Horticultural or Human Science profession?

Step Two: Read over the Candidate Handbook

Step Three: Apply!

Please note that:

The first window of the examination is from October 31 to November 14, 2026. For this first exam window AHTA is offering a discounted price!

For HTMs and HTRS registered with AHTA the discounted price for the first exam window is $75.00!

For all new candidates (Non- HTM or HTR) the discounted price is $250.00!

After this first window the candidate’s cost will be $450.00 for AHTA members and $595.00 for nonmembers. 

Act now! Be the first to apply and succeed in becoming HT-BC!

We at AHTA are here to help; Contact info@ahta.org for any questions or needed support!

Thank you for your interest in advancing the profession of horticultural therapy!

 We encourage all to regularly visit the AHTA website for updates. https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified 

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

 Experiences You Will Not Want to Miss at the AHTA Annual Conference in San Francisco! 

October 16-18, 2026

PLANTS & PAWS - Sponsored by Ball Horticultural Company

Getting Ready To Experience Plants & Paws?

Step into a welcoming, sensory, plant-filled environment and immerse in the experience while engaging with trained therapy dog teams whose work centers on the human-animal connection. Experience calm, sensory engagement, and co-regulation in action when horticultural therapy and animal-assisted therapy converge.

Timed-entry sign-up slots are coming soon. Watch for your opportunity to experience Plants & Paws.

PIONEERS & PATHWAYS  - Sponsored by The Olympia Collective.

Did You Know That 20 Years Ago, The Profession Of Horticultural Therapy Reached The Halls Of Congress? 

Approval of Congressional Resolution #92 established the designation of National Horticultural Therapy Week to occur the third week of March each year. That moment is just one of many milestones along the pathway of our profession.

Visit Pioneers & Pathways to discover the people, artifacts, publications, and defining moments that have shaped horticultural therapy and AHTA—and consider the pathways still unfolding today.

While you are there, visit the HT-BC Board Certification Station to ask questions and learn more about this next milestone for the profession. Stop by the Internship & Mentor Hub for information and guidance on locating internship opportunities and navigating internship supervision.

Explore where we have been, and the pathways available to you now! 

THE RESILIENCE LAB - Sponsored by the University of Florida/IFAS Therapeutic Horticulture

How Does Something As Small As A Seed Adapt—And Even Thrive—Through Change?

Seeds have remarkable strategies that allow them to respond to changing conditions while protecting their potential for growth.

At The Resilience Lab, get ready to look at seeds—and resilience—a little differently. What can seeds teach us about resilience? How does cultivating resilience support human health?



And while you are there, meet Jennifer Jewell during a special book signing featuring What We Sow and The Earth in Her Hands

INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING THE 2026 AHTA ANNUAL CONFERENCE?

Opportunities still exist! Partner with AHTA in bringing additional aspects of the 2026 Annual Conference to life. As our outreach and strategic partnership efforts continue to grow, we welcome organizations interested in supporting the conference and connecting with our professional community.

Explore available opportunities in our Annual Conference Partnership Guide here or connect with the Outreach and Strategic Partnership Work Team at partnerships@ahta.org. 

Therapeutic Horticulture Activity – Scalloped Edges

 By Lesley Fleming, HTR & Trish Hildinger, HTR

Florida Horticulture for Health Network & California Horticultural Therapy Network

Excerpted from University of Florida Therapeutic Horticulture Activities Database 2026

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: Participants will identify plants with scalloped edges to expand their horticultural knowledge.

THERAPEUTIC GOALS: Cognitive domain – expand horticultural knowledge for personal or career growth; learn about plant typology. Physical domain – Monitor fatigue, stamina & strength during session. Psychological domain – Develop strategies for coping with fatigue or frustration; calm an anxious brain. Additional therapeutic goals are listed in the THAD Scalloped Edges.

PROCESS: During a walk outdoors, participants identify plants with scalloped edges, with several hands-on options (picking specimens, taking photos, describing/drawing plants). Discussion and observation of scalloped edged plants can encourage any number of themes including beauty in nature, horticultural attributes, horticultural knowledge as career skill, plant identification, sensory inputs (sensitivity to or avoidance of sensory inputs). This THAD provides more detailed step by step instructions.  

APPLICATIONS FOR POPULATIONS: Plant identification and observation are fundamental parts of HT and TH. Hands-on activities where these are used are diverse and can be adapted to all populations, including Scalloped Edges. These are defined as leaves with a margin or edge with a series of rounded undulating curves, known as crenate edge with small, rounded teeth rather than sharp points (Harper, 2013). Flower blooms can also have scalloped edges, more often referred to as ruffled or fluted. 

The TH activity focus can be adapted for young children (basic exploratory tasks of gathering, sorting and counting fosters key developmental skills); career exploration (on horticultural knowledge and plant attributes); and trauma survivors (with a focus on beauty and respite from difficult experiences and therapy). The activity delivered with populations of food insecure and people with physical disabilities are discussed in Scalloped Edges THAD.

MATERIALS: Samples of plants, leaves, flowers with scalloped edges with optional materials like gathering bags, personal phones, drawing materials, gloves and wipes. 

This activity was collaboratively written by Lesley Fleming and Trish Hildinger as part of the regional HT group initiative of THAD. Both ladies are HTRs, active in their respective regional HT group, with experience delivering TH to a variety of populations. 

AHTA HTR Database Search Option

AHTA has a Horticultural Therapist Registered (HTR) Directory feature on our website. This feature allows companies or the general public to search for HTRs near them. The benefits for HTRs may include employment, consultation work, presentation /information sharing opportunities, advocacy for the profession of horticultural therapy and more! Click Here for the HTR Database.

Become a Member

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 member benefits include free webinars and free article processing fees for the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture! Another two new reasons to join!