AHTA March 2026 Newsletter


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

As signs of spring begin to emerge across the country, we find ourselves entering another season of growth for our profession. In gardens, growth rarely happens in isolation. It unfolds through many small forces working together—sunlight, soil, water, and care.

In much the same way, the expansion of our profession is fueled by the collective dynamics of our members, supporters, educators, and allied partners. The earliest blooms invite us to pause and reflect: What will the next stage of growth look like for our profession? Where will our important work continue to unfold in the year ahead? How might each of us step into the public arena to share the powerful connections that grow between people and plants?

Growing our profession matters—and the greater purpose of that growth lies in the lives we nurture through our work. National Horticultural Therapy Week (March 14-21, 2026) offers a time to reflect on that purpose. What if a conversation about our professional field opens the door for someone seeking healing, connection, or renewed purpose? What if each act of outreach helps more people discover the powerful role plants can play in supporting health and well-being? And what if, together, our voices help bring the benefits of horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture to communities that have yet to experience their impact?

Earlier this month it was a pleasure to represent AHTA and work alongside Seed Your Future during Green Career Week, helping educate and inspire youth about the wide range of plant-centered careers, while many learned about the meaningful impact of a career in our profession.

As we celebrate March for its seasonal promise - and the national recognition of our profession – I encourage each of you to take a small step to share the story of our work. Whether through a conversation with a colleague, a post highlighting your work, or an introduction to the American Horticultural Therapy Association, each act of outreach helps expand understanding of the powerful ways plants support health, well-being, and human flourishing.

The AHTA Conference is happening October 15–18, 2026 in San Francisco, and it’s shaping up to be an extraordinary gathering for the horticultural therapy community. So many amazing things we've added a day to the conference.

Take action now: submit your presentation proposal (deadline extended — see details below), book your flight, and reserve your hotel room at the discounted conference rate available October 15–19 in Thriving downtown San Francisco.

And the experiences! Tour the Gardens of Alcatraz, explore the stunning San Francisco Botanical Garden, and gather in the healing landscape of the AIDS Memorial Grove.

This is the place to be in the horticultural therapy world this fall — don’t miss it. Present, connect, learn, and be there.

News and Events

🌿 Call for Conference Submissions Extended to March 31!

AHTA 2026 Annual Conference | San Francisco |

October 15–17, 2026

Good news! The deadline to submit proposals for the upcoming AHTA Conference has been extended to March 31. If you’ve been thinking about sharing your work, now is the perfect time.

We are seeking presentations, research sessions, workshops, and poster presentations that highlight the many ways horticultural therapy and therapeutic gardening support health and well-being.

And remember—you do not need to be an HTR or THP to present. If you have relevant experience, innovative ideas, research, or programs that would benefit the field, we want to hear from you. This conference thrives on the diverse knowledge and perspectives of our community.

Come share with your colleagues, contribute to the profession, and help move the field forward.

Inspire. Educate. Lead.

Questions or want to talk through an idea? Feel free to reach out to the conference team at aprilellislcsw@gmail.com

We’d love to connect.

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.

Publishing in a journal can seem to be an intimidating process, but taking the effort brings a range of benefits including lessons learned during the process, contributing to the field of HT/TH, and building one’s CV. Join us as we explore the process of publishing in AHTA’s Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture (JTH). The Journal has recently gone to an open access model which greatly increases visibility and allows access to the journal content for all. While JTH publishes research, there are additional sections which allow authors to share information and knowledge in a scholarly fashion to further advance our field. So, if you have interest in publishing in JTH, this webinar will provide a roadmap to help you along the way.

Matthew J. Wichrowski MSW, HTR

SR. Horticultural Therapist

Clinical Associate Professor

Rusk Rehabilitation

N.Y.U. Langone Hospital Center

An internationally recognized leader in horticultural therapy, Matthew serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture and Co-Chair of the Nature-Based Rehabilitation Task Force of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. His research examines how nature-based settings and activities impact health and well-being, with published work in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, pediatric cancer care, dementia, and biophilic healthcare design. Matthew develops nature-based wellness programs, authors scholarly articles and textbook chapters, presents internationally, and has received numerous awards for advancing horticultural therapy in medical settings.

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.

Let’s celebrate! National Horticultural Therapy Week takes place March 15–21, 2026, and it’s the perfect opportunity to spotlight the power and impact of horticultural therapy. Each year, the American Horticultural Therapy Association brings together regional networking groups, affiliated horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture programs, and AHTA members to celebrate the profession at both national and local levels.

Now is the time to plan! Share details about your events, activities, and promotional efforts with AHTA at i nfo@ahta.org so they can be featured on our website and amplified nationwide. Locally, connect with our outstanding regional groups at https://www.ahta.org/regional-groups to discover upcoming NHTW events and get involved in the planning process. Let’s grow awareness, strengthen our community, and celebrate together!

"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: April 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 7 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.

As we celebrate National Horticultural Therapy Week, we take time to recognize the individuals whose vision, research, practice, and dedication helped shape the profession we know today. Their work laid the foundation for horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture to grow into a dynamic and impactful field that continues to support health, well-being, and human connection through plants.

At the upcoming 2026 AHTA Annual Conference, the Pioneers & Pathways Signature Experience will honor those who paved the way while also shining a light on the next generation of practitioners. Through timelines and testimonials, conference attendees will hear from many of the pioneers in our field as they reflect on both the challenges and the bright spots they encountered while helping build this profession.

This experience will also engage emerging professionals, creating space for meaningful connection and dialogue that helps foster mentorship, internship opportunities, and access to board certification discussions as individuals continue shaping and finetuning their pathways into this profession.

We are seeking individuals who would like to contribute stories, testimonials, reflections, and historical insights that help bring the experience to life. Our goal is for Pioneers & Pathways to be an immersive and inspiring experience that captures both the legacy and the future of the profession.

There are also opportunities available for sponsorship within the Pioneers & Pathways experience, and we welcome the opportunity to connect with organizations interested in helping shape and support this meaningful part of the conference.

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

AHTA Conference 2026 – Act Now!

News and Events

2026 AHTA Conference Keynote Speaker

Jennifer Jewell

🌿 Webinar – Tuesday, March 31

Share the Magic- Publishing in the Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture with Matthew J. Wichrowski

🌿 Webinar – Tuesday, April 28th

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

Members Vote 'Yes' for Membership Category Changes

National Horticultural Therapy Week

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

Nomination for AHTA Board of Directors are Now Open!

🌿 Countdown to the HT–BC Certification Exam

HTR Internship Sites and Intern Supervisors Information Updates

AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture

AHTA HTR Database Search Option

Become a Member

Quick Links