Environmental Landscape Management (EVL)

About the Program

Seneca's King Campus is part of a provincially significant wetland complex and is a valued source of headwaters to the Humber Rivers watershed, which is part of the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. In this unique two-year diploma program, the majority of your outdoor training will take place on this land. You will study ecology, traditional types of landscaping, practical skills and receive an overview of the ecosystem allowing you to understand the impact humans have on the environment and how to protect and restore its natural landscapes.

The demand for environmental landscape management is growing within private and public organizations, therefore employers are in search of graduates who are committed, skilled and knowledgeable in the profession.

Credential Awarded

Ontario College Diploma

Duration

4 Semesters (2 Years)

Starts

September

Program and Course Delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

• A blend of theoretical and applied practical skills valued in the environmental landscaping field 
• Knowledge of the latest landscaping techniques, including fusion landscaping approaches
• Computer aided design techniques 
• Business and marketing skills 
• An advanced awareness of ecology and the interactions between humans, plants and the environment.

Students interested in completing a co-op work term should apply to the Environmental Landscape Management (Co-op) (EVLC) program.​

Your Career

When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:

• Specialized and general landscape companies
• Horticultural nursery and greenhouse operations
• Municipal parks departments and conservation authorities 
• Golf courses, tourists resorts, private and public parks
• Self-employed contracting firms

Program of Study

*

Work-Integrated Learning option only

Program Learning Outcomes

This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

• Operate machinery and equipment for landscape operations safely for maximum efficiency.
• Perform tree maintenance (such as pruning and climbing), select and use trees in a landscape design, and develop tree identification skills.
• Analyze landscape situations, recommend corrective construction methods and installation procedures, and effectively perform hard landscape installations.
• Establish and maintain a healthy woodlot, utilizing current forestry techniques.
• Understand various grasses, their selection in terms of usage, and the maintenance techniques necessary to establish healthy turf vegetation.
• Identify, select, and use plant and shrub materials in landscape designs.
• Explain the complex factors impacting on rural, urban, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including the fish and wildfire within these systems and appropriate conservation techniques.
• Assess basic biology and life cycles of the main classes of vertebrates, the keys to recognition of some of the more common Ontario species, and the elements of nature interpretation.
• Perform duties involved in greenhouse operations including plan propagation and the creation of interior landscapes.
• Apply the principles and practical skills of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to indoor and outdoor plants.
• Explain the systems of environmental services, park, organizations and agencies in Canada and Ontario, and the relationships between the public and private sectors of this industry.
• Describe the importance of recreation and environmental services offered by municipalities, public agencies and the private sector.
• Understand park planning and park legislation.
• Develop planning for parks, recreational facilities and open spaces.
• Exemplify leadership, collaboration and presentational skills as an environmental landscape professional.
• Explain environmental and ecological issues within Canada and the approaches that can be used to mitigate and address these issues.
• Utilize computer-aided design and technologies for landscape design, business proposals, and project management.
• Communicate effectively in speech and writing, and prepare reports.
• Identify sources of legislation related to all aspects of this industry.
• Apply business administration and budgeting concepts and principles.
• Perform business functions common to the private sector of this industry.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance and career opportunities and to keep pace with industry changes.

International Student Information

International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).

Pathways

As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.

To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.