November 2026 Newsletter

What's Included in This Month's Newsletter

President’s Message

Fall offers a moment to appreciate what has grown and consider what comes next. As I begin my term as AHTA President, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and build on the dedication of those who have led before me.

Our recent conference in San Francisco offered time to learn, connect, and consider what lies ahead for our profession. Thank you to the presenters, volunteers, organizers, and attendees who contributed their time, ideas, and enthusiasm.



This is an exciting time for AHTA. The launch of the HT-BC credential marks an important milestone in advancing our profession, and I want to extend my congratulations to the inaugural cohort of candidates who have taken the exam. At the same time, our ongoing strategic planning provides an opportunity to shape our future together. We are exploring how we can better support our members, strengthen public understanding of our work, and serve both horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture practitioners.

I look forward to working with the Board and with all of you as we turn these priorities into action. Your experience and ideas matter. Whether you join a work team, share your practice, contribute an article, or offer a fresh perspective, you help our community grow.

With Gratitude, 

Katie Ryzhikov, M.S., OTR/L, HTR

AHTA President

San Francisco in Full Bloom: AHTA 2026

AHTA's Thriving in the Grove Annual Conference in San Francisco brought our horticultural therapy community together for an extraordinary celebration of our profession, our connections, and the healing power of nature. Whether you joined us in San Francisco or cheered us on from afar, there's plenty of excitement to carry forward.

Take a Peek at the Conference photo album

Everyone is invited to explore our conference photo album. Enjoy the wonderful moments, beautiful gardens, smiling faces, and experiences from San Francisco.

Attended the Conference? Share Your Feedback

We'd love to hear what inspired you, what you loved, and what we can make even better next time. If you attended and haven't yet completed the feedback survey, email info@ahta.org to request the link. Your input really matters!

Get Involved - Join an AHTA Work Team

Find your place with the link below:

AHTA thrives because of members who bring their ideas, talents, and energy to our shared mission. From conferences and publications to professional development and membership initiatives, there's a place for everyone. No huge commitment required—just a willingness to help our profession grow.

Save the Date!

 The AHTA 2027 Conference will take place on October 15–16, 2027. This event will showcase exciting new directions in Horticultural Therapy. The virtual platform will make it easily accessible for practitioners and enthusiasts from around the world. Add it to your calendar!

Fall Virtual Book Club

We’re finishing our members virtual book club this year with a strong selection. We will discuss Douglas Tallamy’s book, How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard. Tallamy is a well-known conservationist, speaker, entomologist, and professor at the University of Delaware. His research, including a fascinating study showing that nationally, oaks host 950 caterpillar species, highlights the importance of native plants and wildlife. In his 2025 book, “How Can I Help?” he explains some important conservation concepts and gives simple steps we can all take to boost the diversity of wildlife in our yards.  

We will also give away a copy of this book to one lucky book club registrant. The book club zoom call will be on Thursday, November 12 at 7 pm EST. The free book winner will be selected on November 5 and the book will be mailed to their residence. So don’t wait to sign up!

AHTA 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

 “The Impact of therapeutic landscapes on the mental health of older adults: a systematic review”.

Therapeutic landscapes, as an important form of health-promoting environmental intervention, provide a feasible approach to improving the mental health of older adults. Twenty-one studies were included in this systematic review of the evidence on the effects of therapeutic landscapes on older adults’ mental health. This study systematically synthesized the evidence on the role of therapeutic landscapes in promoting older adults’ mental health, providing a reference for theoretical development and practical application of therapeutic landscape research. 

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 member benefit along with the fact that members get an exclusive 30-day first look at every journal. Hoping to see more submissions that will go out to all!

Tongyu and Binxia (researchers and HTRs) have successfully organized a special issue on healthy environment and healing landscape in Landscape Architecture and Sustainability (LAS)

Two HTRs from AHTA, Binxia Xue and Tongyu Li, Research Fellows from School of Architecture and Design, Harbin Institute of Technology, China, were invited as the academic hosts to organize a special issue titled "Healthy Environment and Healing Landscape" on Landscape Architecture and Sustainability (LAS). In this special issue, Binxia and Tongyu have invited renowned scholars in the world to contribute their latest original research findings on restorative environment at university campuses and health-inducing spaces for children, as well as on the effects of therapeutic horticulture on college students, with a focus on the hot topics such as the planning, design, and comprehensive evaluation of spatial carriers for the nature-based intervention modalities of horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture, etc., and received extensive attention and warm responses from the academic circles and the public. Horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture, as a kind of low-cost, efficient, and easily implementable and sustainable non pharmacological treatment technology that accompanies public life, are increasingly recognized and welcomed by governments, institutions, scholars, and various groups of society around the world, for their prominent health service value in improving physical fitness and motor flexibility and coordination, assisting in the treatment of chronic diseases, improving mental health, and increasing social connections. With the challenges of public health and changes in lifestyle, this nature based approach to health promotion is showing promising development prospects. Landscape Architecture and Sustainability (LAS), is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal that focuses on all innovative theories, policies, and engineering techniques related to landscape and environmental planning, design, construction, and management, which can bring about sustainable natural and human processes, serving as a platform for global researchers, designers, and practitioners in landscape architecture and related disciplines to communicate and share. Launched by Beijing Forestry University in 2025, LAS has been published quarterly on the ScienceDirect platform of Elsevier with a rapid growth.

The website of the journal and the link of the papers are as follows,

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 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 Magazine Work Team!

This work team is always looking for people who would like to write articles, edit pieces, or brainstorm ideas with the rest of the team.

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.

 🌿 AHTA has a HT–BC Certification Exam!

Cultivating the future of horticultural therapy — together

 The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) announced the launch of its first professional credentialing exam, for the Horticultural Therapist–Board Certified (HT–BC). The first exam window is October 31 through November 14, 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.

THANK YOU to all the candidates who took the exam during this first inaugural examination window! You have added to the historical movement forward in the progress AHTA has made in the professionalism of horticultural therapy!

THANK YOU to all who made this happen! The Job Task Analysis participants, the Steering Committee, the AHTA Credentialing Work Team, the Item Writers and Lead Reviewers, the Form Review Committee, Revolution AMC, and Professional Testing Corporation all worked in collaboration to make this historical event for AHTA and the profession of horticultural therapy be actualized.

Here are some important updates!

• The next exam window will be June 12-26, 2027, with a deadline of applying of March 12, 2027!
• For future candidates, now is the time to begin to prepare! Find out the eligibility requirements, Read the Candidate Handbook, Set goals of completing the requirements!
• Your best test preparation will be based on your years of experience in horticultural therapy and/or completing the HT coursework from one of our accredited programs. Review the Candidate Handbook, check out the blueprint of the exam based on the knowledge areas, review the 10 sample questions and the list of references!
• Please review the Exam Candidate Handbook on our website. https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified
• “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
• The “Community Meeting on Credentialing the Profession of Horticultural Therapy” recording is here https://youtu.be/79NnNsLMJ3w
• 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!

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.

Outreach & Strategic Partnerships

Bringing Partnerships to Life at the 2026 AHTA Annual Conference!

The 2026 AHTA Annual Conference in San Francisco demonstrated the power of partnerships in creating meaningful, immersive experiences for our professional community. Through the generosity, creativity, and commitment of our sponsors, we brought together innovative programming, professional development, and opportunities for meaningful connection in exciting new ways. We extend our sincere appreciation to the organizations that helped bring these experiences to life.

Ball Horticultural Company – Plants & Paws

Thank you to Ball Horticultural Company for supporting the heartwarming interactions with therapy dog teams while attendees were immersed in a profusion of plant fragrances, textures, and vibrant colors. Special appreciation to Valley Humane Society and its dedicated therapy dog teams for helping create this memorable experience celebrating the human-animal connection and the therapeutic qualities of plants.

The Olympia Collective – Pioneers & Pathways

Thank you to The Olympia Collective for helping us celebrate the generations of trailblazers, educators, practitioners, researchers, and advocates who have shaped our profession. Through historical artifacts, publications, and personal reflections, attendees explored AHTA’s rich legacy while discovering emerging opportunities in board certification, internships, and professional development.

University of Florida Therapeutic Horticulture Program – The Resilience Lab

Our gratitude to the University of Florida Therapeutic Horticulture Program for creating an engaging environment that invited attendees to explore the connections among seeds, resilience, and human well-being. Through interactive activities, reflection, and a special book signing with keynote speaker Jennifer Jewell, participants discovered new perspectives on resilience and therapeutic practice.

Horticultural Therapy Institute – Opening Reception & Moth Hour

Thank you to the Horticultural Therapy Institute for bringing our professional community together for an evening of powerful personal stories, candid humor, and incredible connection. The traditional Moth Hour celebrated the diverse experiences, shared passions, and personal journeys that unite our profession.

Riva Mental Health – Professional Portrait Studio

Our appreciation to Riva Mental Health for providing complimentary professional headshots that celebrated the individuals behind our growing profession. This experience supported professional identity, visibility, and the continued development of our members.

To all our sponsors and collaborating partners, thank you for investing in AHTA and helping make the 2026 Annual Conference such a memorable and impactful experience!

TH Activity – Celery Heart Floral Art Activity
 

 Submitted by Gerry Sherman

 Mid-Atlantic Horticultural Therapy Network (MAHTN) 2/11/19

 Suggested Season: Any! Especially nice for a Valentine's Day flower-related craft.

Suggested Age Groups: Any  Suggested Populations: Any

Description of Activity: Create these fun floral designs with celery hearts. 

Materials Needed: 

• celery hearts
• washable paint (tempera suggested)
• paper or card stock
• paintbrushes
• markers (optional)
• rubber bands
• knife
• disposable/ washable plates as paint palettes 

Pre-Session Set-Up: Prepare celery hearts by placing rubber bands tightly around sections - roughly four per celery heart. Once rubber banded, slice celery heart sections between rubber bands to create handheld “stamps." Cut paper to desired size. Place moderate amounts of paint on "palettes" of your choice - flat plates with a small rim for removing excess paint work great! 

Recommended Session Format:

1.  Introduce celery hearts - your "natural" stamp - and show how the stalks bunched together create an abstract, flower-like design.
2. Distribute paper - add choice by having different sizes and colors available.
3. Demonstrate stamping celery in paint, wiping off any excessive amounts, and then stamping on paper.
4. Distribute paint on plates and get stamping!
5. Have paint brushes and markers accessible for extra embellishments like stems, leaves, extra designs, and writing names and messages.
6. Have participants share what they have created with the rest of the group.

Potential Benefits Include: 

• Cognitive: - following single and multi-step instructions - decision making
• Physical: - use of fine motor skills
• Sensory: - experiencing the natural material (specifically touch and smell)
• Social: - sharing materials - sharing finished products with other group members
• Emotional: - self-expression through artistic choices - ability to reminisce about flowers, arts and crafts 

Additional Notes: Encourage your participants to be creative! Even though they are all using the same basic "stamp," they can personalize with paint and markers to make whatever they'd like. This is a great project to provide choice, encourage self-expression, and get a good laugh out of using an unexpected and natural tool.

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!