Plans for the Emerald Trail include 30 miles of native plants, shade trees, bioswales and gardens. Maintaining the plants’ health and the beauty of the Emerald Trail is a priority for Groundwork Jacksonville and the inspiration for the Emerald Trail Stewards (ETS) Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
Emerald Trail Stewards Graduation Celebration at UNF
Developed in partnership with Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), the University of North Florida (UNF) and Career Source of NE Florida, the ETS Pre-apprenticeship is a hands-on, paid landscaping training program open to adults (18 +) who live within Emerald Trail neighborhoods. This encompasses zip codes 32202, 32204, 32206, 32208, 32209 and 32254 where the unemployment rate is nearly double that of the city overall.
ETS pre-apprentices earn two industry certifications from the FNGLA Certified Professionals program - Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) and Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician (FCLMT).
The program is funded by grants from the National Park Service, the Florida Department of Education - Pathways to Career Opportunities, and REI.
For more information, contact Janet Reagor, Groundwork Jacksonville COO at janet@groundworkjacksonville.org.