FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 12, 2010) – Three members of the Landscape department at Shell Point have received two major certifications recently, helping to expand on the landscape and environment conservation expertise offered to the retirement community.
Jeff Holmes earned his status as a Florida Certified Horticultural Professional from the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA). Holmes has been with Shell Point since April 2009, and is the ninth member of the Landscape Department to achieve this certification. This certification tested his knowledge on plant identification, plant biology, plant nutrition, plant disease and pest problems, plant usage in the landscape, irrigation practices, pesticide usage, and proper safety procedures.
John Noone and Wally Chamberlain both received certification as Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditors from the Irrigation Association, which is a national organization that promotes the careful use of water resources by emphasizing professionalism and efficiency in the use of irrigation methods and products. This achievement is already benefiting Shell Point by allowing them to locate irrigation zones on property that were able to be re-programmed to improve the distribution of irrigation of water which results in less water usage and healthier turf grass and plants. This also demonstrates to the surrounding community that Shell Point is proactive in the stewardship and conservation of the environment.
“I always want to encourage employees in my department to seek greater horticultural knowledge through industry associations and certifications,” said Morton. “Shell Point and myself are very proud if these gentlemen for taking the initiative to expand their knowledge for themselves as well as the organization. The outcome of the Shell Point Landscape Management Team’s increased level of knowledge has resulted in improved beautification in our landscaping and enhanced technical expertise.”
Shell Point Retirement Community is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers just off Summerlin Road, two miles before the Sanibel causeway. Shell Point has received national accreditation from CARF-CCAC, and is a nationally recognized leader in the retirement industry. The community offers retirement living in a resort-style environment with an 18-hole championship golf course which is open to the public, as well as recreational/fitness facilities and deep water boating access for its residents. To learn more about Shell Point, visit us at www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.
