FAQs - Ecological Landscape Alliance

Frequently Asked Questions

🌿 About ELA

What is the Ecological Landscape Alliance?

The Ecological Landscape Alliance is a group of professionals working in landscapes and home gardeners who advocate for ecological landscape practices through education, collaboration and outreach.

Where is ELA based and what geographic area do you serve?

The organization is nation-wide, but the majority of our members are currently from the northeast and mid-Atlantic. Don’t let that stop you from joining us, we are interested in reaching all people in all places!

How long has ELA been in existence?

The Ecological Landscape Alliance was established in 1992.

What makes ELA different from other landscape or horticulture associations?

ELA offers the opportunity to connect with a passionate network of professionals and enthusiasts who are committed to advancing sustainable landscaping through shared knowledge and collaboration and help us shape a more vibrant, ecologically sound future.

👤 Membership

Who should become an ELA member?

Everyone! We have room for every kind of enthusiast, gardener, or landscape professional who wants to make the move to use more ecological techniques and understand why we leave the leaves or don’t cut back the meadow.

How do I join or renew my membership?

Visit our Membership page. The membership levels and benefits are listed there. Click on the ‘Become a Member’ button and enter your email to register as a member. Renewal reminders are sent out to current members. Stay in touch! We can help you.

Is my membership tax deductible?

Yes, keep track of your payment for tax purposes.

How do I feature my business in publications?

Professional and company members are welcome to submit an article about their company or business. For more information reach out to our publications committee at Leslie@ecolandscaping.org.

How do I update my account or membership information?

Click on “Member Portal” at the top of the website. There is a dropdown menu under ‘My Account’. You can update your personal and contact information. You can also add information under ‘Member Directory Profile’ to list your skills. These are searchable through the Directory.

📚 Education & Professional Development

What types of programs does ELA offer? Are your programs open to non-members?

ELA offers a wide variety of programs. There are monthly Landscape Lecture Series that are primarily offered online. Community Forums that allow interest groups to gather and discuss various topics and share learned knowledge online. Eco Tours provide opportunities to visit various habitats or sites in person. Workshops are in-depth professional development classes held in person and often provide CEUs. Conferences gather professionals and experts to teach and network, as well as offer CEUs. These are provided through a variety of platforms (in person, virtual, hybrid).

Yes, members and non-members may attend our programs, but members attend for free or at a discount.

Do ELA programs offer continuing education credits (CEUs)?

Yes, CEU’s are offered at many events. Please read program descriptions to determine if CEUs are available.

Are events in-person, virtual, or hybrid? Are they recorded and how do I access recordings?

ELA offers diverse participation offerings from in-person meetups, Eco Tours, and workshops, to our Landscape Lecture Series webinars, to in-person, virtual, and hybrid conferences.

Webinars and hybrid events are recorded and shared in a post-event notification message.

Can I suggest a topic or propose a program?

ELA will issue a call for presentations for our Annual Conference. Additionally, surveys are sent after virtual and in person programs which solicit feedback and future programming requests. You can also contact us at office@ecolandscaping.org if you are interested in presenting or suggesting a topic.

Is pre-registration required?

Unless otherwise noted, pre-registration is required for all our programs.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

*ELA does not issue refunds for our webinar Landscape Lecture Series or Community Forums – they are recorded and shared with all registrants. These programs are also free for members.

Cancellation Timing		Typical Refund
30+ days before	100% refund
15–29 days before	50% refund
<14 days before	No refund
No-show	No refund

Substitution Policy

Attendee substitutions (someone else attends in the registrant’s place) are permissible and are at no cost. As a courtesy, notify ELA of substitution(s) as soon as possible and at least within 24-48 hours of the program

Organizational Cancellation

If ELA cancels a program or event, we will offer a full refund or credit option if it is rescheduled. We will do our best to communicate cancellation or postponements as early as possible or with at least 2 weeks’ notice.

How can I learn more about native plants and ecological design?

Visit our Resources page. There is plenty of information provided for you to learn more. Join us! Members receive free and discounted programs to help you learn more.

🌱 The Eco-Marketplace

What is the ELA Marketplace?

The ELA Marketplace is ELA’s new online hub for finding ecological landscape professionals, organizations, products, services, events, and educational resources. It expands on the former Eco-Pro directory by giving ELA members a more dynamic way to share their work, publish updates, connect with customers, and be discovered by people looking for ecological landscape expertise.

What happened to my Eco-Pro listing?

Eco-Pro listings are being phased out as we move onto a new website and the ELA Marketplace. The ELA Marketplace is designed to offer a more modern, searchable, and engaging experience than the previous directory.

Who can list in the ELA Marketplace? How do I get my business or organization listed?

The ELA Marketplace is available to ELA Professional Members (free basic listing) and ELA Company Members (premium listing). If your membership level includes Marketplace access, you can create or claim a listing for your business or organization.

To get listed, you will need to have an active eligible ELA Professional or Company level membership and complete your Marketplace profile with basic information such as your business name, location, services, website, and contact details.

What is the difference between a basic and premium listing?

A basic listing includes company page with only one product or service. It will display your business’ content and be listed in the directory information so people can find and contact your business or organization.

A premium listing gives you a more complete Marketplace presence, which may include enhanced profile content, additional service or product information, richer media, event listings, content feeds, and greater visibility within the Marketplace.

Premium listings are designed for Company level members who want to actively showcase their expertise, share updates, and make it easier for potential customers or partners to understand what they offer.

How do I update or manage my listing?

You can update your listing by logging into the ELA Marketplace and going to your company or organization profile. From there, you can edit your business information, services, contact details, website links, images, and other available profile content.

Keeping your listing current helps visitors find accurate information and understand the full range of services or expertise you provide.

I am looking for an Eco-Pro for my home project. How do I search the marketplace to find one?

You can use the ELA Marketplace to search for ecological landscape professionals by service type, location (coming soon), keyword, or area of expertise. Start by entering what you are looking for, such as native planting, landscape design, invasive plant management, stormwater solutions, organic maintenance, or habitat restoration.

You can then review profiles, compare services, visit websites, and contact providers directly to find the right professional for your project.

Who do I contact for questions or problems with the ELA Marketplace?

For questions about your ELA membership, eligibility, or Marketplace access, contact ELA directly.

For technical help with logging in, updating your listing, or using Marketplace features, contact the ELA Marketplace support team: sandra@qiqochat.com

📣 Getting Involved

How do I get involved with ELA's committees or leadership?

We encourage participation of our members in the organization. If you would like to join us, please feel free to contact us at office@ecolandscaping.org.

Can I contribute an article or content to ELA's publications?

Our publications are member-driven. We are happy to accept articles but reserve the right to determine where and what is published. Reach out to our publications committee at: Leslie@Ecolandscaping.org

How do I stay informed about ELA news and programs?

Sign up for our ELA Bulletin. It is a monthly publication open to all.

🌍 Ecological Landscaping — The Practice

What is ecological landscaping?

Our vision is that everyone who interacts with the land is a steward whose actions are informed by an understanding of and respect for natural systems.

How is ecological landscaping different from conventional landscaping?

Ecological landscaping values landscape methods based on scientific studies and practical experience. We promote environmentally safe landscape practices.

Where do I find a qualified ecological landscape professional?

Visit the ELA Marketplace. Not only can you list your services, but this is a great location for you to find an ecological landscape professional. Our companies and professionals are encouraged to list their services on the Marketplace to make it easy for you to find an eco-pro!