Two Belknap Landscape employees recently became New Hampshire Certified Landscape Professionals (NHCLP) through the New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA).

Stephanie Cook and Jessica Mafera completed NHLA’s rigorous program in November 2024. The program prepares candidates to recognize “the knowledge and skills necessary to be a professional in the landscape industry and increase industry professionalism and best practices through continuing education.”

Ms. Cook has worked in the agriculture field for almost a decade, including two years with Belknap Landscape on the Recurring Services team. She holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of New Hampshire.

Ms. Mafera holds a degree in Horticulture from the University of New Hampshire’s Thompson School. She has worked in landscaping for 8 years, including the last two with the Belknap Landscape Garden Services team.

Belknap Landscape’s Director of Recurring Services, Andrew Morse, highlighted the importance of encouraging and supporting employee upskilling. “Both Steph and Jess have brought valuable new knowledge to their roles. Education is invaluable in delivering optimal results for Belknap Landscape customers and helps pave the attrition path for talented staff. We are proud of Jess and Stephanie and appreciate the hard work they put into passing this course.”

The certification is for those with a history of working in New Hampshire’s landscape industry and who have passed a rigorous exam based on NHLA’s body of knowledge and plant identification. Continuing professional development is then required to maintain certification.

Belknap Landscape is central New Hampshire’s most prominent and longest-operating full-service landscape contractor.