The Arlington Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce that our very own Heather Dowell has recently been recognized as a Certified Landscape Professional by the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association.

Heather completed the Texas Certified Landscape Professional (TCLP) program which certifies individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in horticulture and landscape development, in the nursery and landscape industry.

"I heard about this test 18 years ago, but I was always so busy with work that I never did it,' Dowell said. "I finally decided it's time to get my certification so I studied the materials for a week straight and went and did my best - and I passed.'

The examination for TCLP certification consists of two exams - the first being a 200 multiple-choice question examination, and the second being a plant identification exam in which the candidate must identify plant pictures and plant characteristics.

TCLP certification requires members to earn 20 Continuing Education Units (CEU's) over the course of two years, in order to renew their certification.

Dowell has been in the nursery and landscape industry for 24 years, and currently holds the position Urban Forestry and Land Manager for the City of Arlington Parks and Recreation Department.