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PROGRAMS >> HORTICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES

If you love the outdoors and working with plants and trees, you can explore plenty of career choices in the horticulture and natural resources fields. From landscape design to forestry management, your options are as wide as the great outdoors. At RVTC, our program will take you outside the classroom where you will literally dig into your studies. We’ll grow poinsettias and harvest Christmas trees at holiday time and work in the school’s own 30-acre land lab. Plus, we’ll travel to an apple orchard, town forest, maple sugarbush, and community landscape to learn and practice new skills. You’ll learn how to safely operate a chain saw and tractor, climb trees, and learn basic rigging techniques. This is a roll-up-your-sleeves curriculum that will train you for a satisfying and financially rewarding future.

Program Highlights:
• Qualify for national certification in Chain Saw Safety
• Earn science credit
• Gain leadership skills through Future Farmers of America (FFA)
   
YEAR ONE: Horticulture & Natural Resources I
Credit: 3-4 elective credits
Eligibility: Students in grades 11 and 12 (grade 10 with permission)
Prerequisites: None
Schedule: Full year; 2 hours per day

You’ll spend the year learning the skills you’ll need to get an entry-level position in numerous horticulture and natural resources businesses — ranging from nursery greenhouse production to urban forestry or landscaping operations. You’ll work here on 30 acres of land where you’ll develop the technical skills that many employers desire. Students are encouraged to participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience project to put their skills to work.
   
YEAR TWO: Horticulture & Natural Resources II
Credit: 1 embedded science and 2-3 elective credits
Eligibility: Students in grades 11 and 12
Prerequisites: Grade of 70 or better in Horticulture & Natural Resources I,
or written permission from the instructor.
Schedule: Full year; half day

The second half of this program will put you in the field where you can hone your skills in real world applications. We work closely with local and regional businesses and get involved with community projects, such as landscape plantings, tree care operations, and conservation practices. You will be assessed on the quality and quantity of projects you complete, employability skills, involvement in the FFA, and your Supervised Agricultural Experience project.

 
 

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