September 2026 Newsletter

What's Included in This Month's Newsletter

President’s Message: The Light We Carry Forward

We stand on the eve of AHTA’s 2026 Annual Conference.

Our conference brings the profession together each year, but every gathering must be built anew. Considerable work has brought us to San Francisco. This year’s program continues our tradition of high-quality presentations while expanding opportunities for hands-on learning, immersive engagement, and professional connection.

Attendees can gather at several unique venues, including the San Francisco Botanical Garden and the historic Gardens of Alcatraz. We will also honor one of our own, Clare Cooper Marcus, during a special ceremony in the National AIDS Memorial Grove—surrounded by this meaningful landscape that she played a significant role in designing.

New to this year’s conference are immersive signature experiences. Plants & Paws will bring horticultural therapy and animal-assisted therapy together in a plant-rich sensory environment, with timed signups available shortly. Pioneers & Pathways will trace the profession’s history and road to board certification while featuring an HT-BC information station. The Resilience Lab will explore connections among seeds, adaptation, and human resilience while featuring Jennifer Jewell’s thought leadership and a special book signing.



We also stand on the eve of the inaugural testing window for the Horticultural Therapist–Board Certified (HT-BC) examination. A substantial number of professionals have applied. By stepping forward, they are doing more than pursuing a new credential. They are strengthening professional standards, advancing recognition of horticultural therapy, and shaping its future.

We are deeply grateful to everyone whose tireless work made board certification possible—and to those now embracing this new credentialing opportunity. This collective action continues a long tradition. Across generations, professionals chose to act and advance the field. They advocated for horticultural therapy, built programs and educational pathways, strengthened professional standards, and demonstrated the value of this work. Their commitment brought us here. What we choose to do now will carry its light forward.

I look forward to seeing many of you in San Francisco and connecting with others through upcoming webinars, work teams, and the many places our members gather to learn, contribute, and move the profession forward.

Earlier this year, I shared the following words from Michelle Obama. I return to them now because they remind us that carrying the light is both an opportunity and a responsibility. Each of us has something to contribute, and every contribution adds to the momentum moving our profession forward.

“One light feeds another. One strong family lends strength to more. One engaged community can ignite those around it. This is the power of the light we carry.” Michelle Obama

With Gratitude, 

Kelly Warnick, HTR, JD

President, American Horticultural Therapy Association

Less Than ONE Month Until the AHTA Conference!

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!

We’re almost there! At our last count, there are only 25 full-conference tickets remaining—and registration permanently closes October 1. Once it closes, that’s it!

If you’ve been thinking about joining us, NOW is the time to act.

Use discount code AHTASeed when you register and get your discount. 🌱

You won’t want to miss this incredible three-day experience, including:

🌿 Inspiring presentations from leaders in the field
🐾 Plants & Paws sensory experience
📸 Free professional headshots—come ready to update that LinkedIn photo!
🌱 Hands-on workshops
🌺 An incredible day at the San Francisco Botanical Garden
🏝️ A one-of-a-kind experience at Alcatraz Gardens
💚 And countless opportunities to connect with old friends and make new ones

This is not your typical conference. It’s a celebration of horticultural therapy, plants, people, wellness, creativity, and community—and there really is nothing quite like it.

Join us. You’ll see why everyone is talking about it.

🎟️ Only 25 full-conference tickets left.
⏰ Registration closes permanently October 1.
🌱 Use code: AHTASeed for your discount.

Don’t wait—we want you there!
Questions? email Conference Lead April Ellis at aprilellislcsw@gmail.com

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 — Join our professional community and enjoy all the benefits of membership.

🌱 Full registration to the 3-day AHTA Conference in San Francisco this October— an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired.
🤝 Connections that can help launch your career — meet professionals, educators, and fellow students who share your passion for horticultural therapy.

All of that for just $299! 🎉

But don’t wait! Conference tickets are going fast, and registration permanently closes October 1. The THRIVE Student Bundle is available only while conference tickets last.

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

🌿 ACT NOW — THRIVE FOR $299!

Tickets are going fast. Registration closes October 1—permanently.

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!

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 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 1 month from now — in October 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 HT-BC for the first exam window of October 31 through November 14, 2026, closed September 1st.
• Thank you to all who applied for this inaugural examination! You are adding to this historical moment for AHTA! 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! Reduce test anxiety by reflecting on all you have done for the profession of horticultural therapy. You got this! Success for HT-BC is yours!
• Please review the Exam Candidate Handbook on our website. https://www.ahta.org/htbc-getcertified
• 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!
• “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.

Immersive Experiences You Will Not Want to Miss at the 2026 AHTA Annual Conference in San Francisco!

PLANTS & PAWS

 Friday, October 16, 2026 | AHTA Annual Conference 

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 these allied therapy professions converge! 

PIONEERS & PATHWAYS

 Saturday, October 17, 2026 | AHTA Annual Conference 

 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.

THE RESILIENCE LAB

Saturday, October 17, 2026 | AHTA Annual Conference 

 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! 

Making Herbal Meat Rub 

 By Amanda Swope Joos, HTR

Mid-Atlantic Horticultural Therapy Network (MAHTN)

Adapted from Activity on MAHTN website originally submitted July 2018 

Suggested Age Groups & Populations: All ages and any population.

Description of Activity: Participants will use their senses to discover herbs, learn their names, how they are grown and harvested, used for cooking and how to dry and preserve herbs. Learning the names of various herbs will increase vocabulary. Harvesting the herbs will enhance motor skills. Following directions will aid in focus. The project will reduce stress and engage the senses. Increase interest in healthy, nutritional choice by learning about fresh, healthy herbs. Increase self-esteem by creating a gourmet dry rub. 

Materials Needed: 

• Mixing bowls 

• Tablespoon and teaspoon 

• Jar with lid 

• Labels 

• Pens 

• Gloves 

• Brown sugar – One Tablespoon

 • Dried garlic – One teaspoon 

• Dried onion – One teaspoon 

• Pinch – dried oregano * 

• Pinch – sage * 

• Pinch – savory * 

• Small pinch – cumin * 

• Small pinch – coriander * 

• Small pinch – salt * 

• Small pinch – pepper 

Pre-Session Set-Up: Assemble all materials on a clean table. 

Recommended Session Format:

1. Discuss the various herbs, their indigenous habitat, historical and medicinal uses.

2. Use gloved hands to strip the leaves from the stems of * dried herbs.

3. Crumble the leaves using fingers into small pieces.

4. Toss all ingredients together using gloved hands.

 5. Place ingredients into jars.

6. Label jars as holding meat rub.

7. To be used as dry rub to marinate meat. 

Additional Notes:  

• Conversation could begin in a garden where herbs are grown. 

• These would be wonderful as holiday gifts, especially Father’s Day. 

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!