March 2025 Newsletter
President's MessageDear AHTA Community, As we "spring" into the new season, it’s a great time to reflect on the growth and renewal that comes with both nature and our work in horticultural therapy. Much like the plants we tend to, our field continues to blossom, and it's heartening to see how far we've come in supporting one another and spreading the benefits of nature-based healing. This time of year is a perfect reminder that, just like the roots of a plant, our association is grounded in community and shared purpose. We’ve seen remarkable growth in the awareness and collaboration of Horticultural Therapy, and it’s clear that our collective efforts are "branching out" in exciting ways. Whether you’re nurturing new ideas, cultivating professional relationships, or planting seeds of knowledge through our educational opportunities, I encourage you to keep pushing the boundaries of what horticultural therapy can achieve. As we look ahead, let’s continue to "grow" together — supporting each other and advancing our field. There are so many ways to get involved, from submitting research for our Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture to planning a webinar or even writing an article for our magazine. Every small step you take helps our community thrive and reach new heights. Thank you for all you do to cultivate healing and well-being through nature. With your dedication, we’ll continue to "leaf" a lasting impact on the people and communities we serve. Matthew Janson CTRS, HTR, National Horticultural Therapy Week
Each year, the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) coordinates the efforts of regional networking groups, affiliated horticultural therapy programs, and AHTA members to collaborate in celebrating the profession on a national and local level. By hosting a variety of special events or activities, we're able to collectively elevate recognition and appreciation for our programs and our profession. Seeing as NHTW week is coming up, we thought we could celebrate and share how our profession is growing. Over the last 6 months, we have welcomed 22 newly credentialed THPs and HTRs, with new applications being submitted weekly. If you are pondering the idea of getting your credential as either a THP or HTR and want to talk it through before embarking on the journey, feel free to get in touch by emailing [email protected]. Please send AHTA your celebrations for NHTW to post on our website and social media! News and EventsAHTA Annual AwardsAHTA continues to accept nominations for the 2025 Annual Awards. Thank you to those who are highlighting impactful programs and practitioners within the AHTA community for their contributions. Recognizing individuals or organizations for their important work not only honors their dedication to the profession, but also strengthens the AHTA community by showcasing impactful HT practices and inspiring others. Your nominations help celebrate excellence and drive continued innovation in the field. Keep the nominations coming! We have so much to learn from one another, and each nomination helps us grow as a professional community. Please consider submitting nominations for the following annual awards to recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions in the field: • Rhea McCandliss Professional Service Award • Alice Burlingame Humanitarian Service Award • John Walker Community Service Award • Ann Lane Mavromatis Scholarship • AHTA Therapeutic Garden Design Award Nominations will be accepted until April 1, 2025! Let’s grow the spirit of excellence in our community!
Learn More Here2025 March Webinar
Using Social Media to Your Advantage as a Horticultural TherapistIn today’s digital age, social media can be a powerful tool to enhance and grow your horticultural therapy (HT) practice. Whether you’re looking to connect with clients, share your expertise, or raise awareness of the benefits of horticultural therapy, social media can help you achieve your goals.
In our upcoming webinar, we’ll explore how to effectively leverage social media in your role as a horticultural therapist. Here’s what you can expect:
• A Quick Overview of Social Media: Gain a foundational understanding of how social media platforms work and how they can be used in professional settings.
• Understanding the Purpose of Different Social Media Channels: Learn the specific uses of various platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more, and how each can serve your unique needs in horticultural therapy.
• Why Social Media Matters for Your HT Program: Discover how social media can help you expand your reach, engage with a broader audience, and promote the benefits of horticultural therapy.
• How to Make Social Media Work for You (Even if You’re Not a Fan): We’ll share helpful tips, tricks, and tools to help you navigate social media efficiently, even if it’s not your preferred way to communicate.
• Q&A Session: Have all your burning questions answered with plenty of time for discussion and personalized advice.
This session will provide you with actionable insights to harness the power of social media in a way that’s manageable and impactful for your horticultural therapy practice. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your presence and connect with others in the field.
Nominations for AHTA Board of Directors are now open!AHTA is a member-driven organization, and we need those with a passion for our field to help grow AHTA into the next 50 years! We value your rooted expertise in areas like marketing, social media, sponsorship and partnership development, magazine editing, webinar development, membership growth, conference planning, and exam development. Help plant the seeds for the future of AHTA and the profession by volunteering! Nominations will be open until April 1, 2025. Let’s sprout new ideas and cultivate success together! AHTA ‘Growing Impact’ Campaign: Advancing Youth Wellness Through HorticulturePhase 1: Sowing Seeds!AHTA is pleased to offer our membership a three-part youth wellness webinar series, thoughtfully designed to explore emerging approaches and share valuable insights. This series will highlight horticulture and plant-rich settings as a powerful therapeutic pathway, supporting youth well-being in today’s fast-paced, climate-changing world. Through expert-led discussions and applied learning opportunities, these webinars will provide attendees with both theoretical insights, resources, and practical strategies. Designed to enhance approaches and maximize impact, this series supports those at the forefront of youth wellness efforts and encourages future initiatives by others in the AHTA community. 3/27/2025 Kids Need Nature Now: Integrating Horticulture into Pediatric Practice. Horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture can fit into pediatric care, pulling in expert insights from horticultural therapists, pediatricians, and community health leaders. Explore the opportunities and hurdles to getting there. Andy Zeiger, M.D., Resident Physician and Post-Doctoral Fellow, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University.
4/1/2025 Nature Nurtures: How Gardening and Outdoor Play Support Kids’ Mental and Emotional Well-Being. Explore the powerful benefits of nature and gardening on children’s mental and emotional health. Attendees will be provided with practical ways to incorporate green spaces into kids’ daily lives for a happier, healthier future. Dr. Charles R. Hall, Professor & Ellison Chair in International Floriculture, Texas A & M University. 4/24/2025 Healing People Heal the Planet: Becoming Eco-Aware. Experience the power of mindfulness, storytelling, and connection with Nature. Hear inspiring testimonials from vulnerable communities most affected by climate change, who found healing in natural spaces and emerged as dedicated stewards of both their environment and community. Let their journeys motivate you to explore the vital relationship between personal well-being and ecological care, with special emphasis on developing our next generation of leaders. Knellee Bisram, CEO/Founder and Lead NGO Representative to the United Nations, AHAM Education, Inc., and Piero Falci, Board Member, AHAM Education. Mindfulness Meditation and Mindful Living Teacher, Co-creator of B.Nature, Author of Mindfulness for a Better Mind, Life and World. More partners and sponsors to follow! Please direct any questions to [email protected].
Pressed Flower Tea Light CandleBy: Angie Girdham, HTR
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Announcing the THP, Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner!The American Horticultural Therapy Association recognizes the practice of Therapeutic Horticulture is becoming a widely accepted and important component in healthcare, rehabilitation, residential programs, and community settings. The AHTA is pleased to announce that the new professional credential - Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner, THP - is now available for applications! The Therapeutic Horticulture Practitioner is intended for practitioners who provide services aligned with the AHTA definition of therapeutic horticulture. Visit the THP webpage to find out more information regarding eligibility and the process of applying. |
AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture
The AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture had been approved for the OpenAccess Model and is now available on Google Scholar. Did you know that you can access the copies of the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture by going to Google Scholar, putting in the “AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture” in the search window and to narrow down your search add the volume number from the AHTA list of Journal. Click HERE to learn more. While 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! |
Supporting AHTA
Your generous support makes it possible for our organization to grow and thrive. Your contributions help keep us going, including helping with the expenses of our annual conference, increasing our ability to work toward credentialing, offsetting the cost of our journal and other outreach publications, and connecting to colleges and universities, facilities, prisons, hospitals, and agencies that support the profession of horticultural therapy. Our 2025 Partnership Guide is now available!
In keeping with the forward growth of AHTA, we have redesigned our 2025 Partnership Guide to include new “á la carte” sponsorship opportunities! These options can be selected independently of AHTA sponsorship packages or added to enhance them. The goal is to offer sponsors greater flexibility in shaping their partnership opportunities to better align with their specific needs and objectives, resulting in a more tailored and impactful collaboration. Sign up to become a sponsor today! Your support fuels our mission to continue advancing the development of horticultural therapy and making an impact nationally and worldwide.
Ways to Support AHTA
AHTA HTR Database Search OptionAHTA 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! Any HTR member has the opportunity to opt-in or opt-out of the database.We request that HTR members update their profile with this indication. To update:
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Become a MemberNot 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 members benefits include free webinars and free article processing fees for the AHTA Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture! Another two new reasons to join!
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Upcoming Events
Tue Apr 29, 2025April Webinar: Growing Wellness: Using Indoor Gardens in Horticultural Therapy Category: AHTA Events |
Tue May 27, 2025May Webinar: A Different Way of Knowing: Using Phenology to Garden Better Category: AHTA Events |
Thu Jun 19, 2025Portland Memory Garden 23rd Anniversary Celebration Category: Allied Organization Events |
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