CBLP-Shorelines

CBLP-Shorelines: Certificate for Coastal Landscape Professionals

The Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Living Shoreline training and certificate (CBLP-Shorelines) is an advanced professional development program for existing CBLPs and other coastal practitioners who want to add Living Shoreline services to their business offerings.

Through hybrid learning, hands-on fieldwork, and expert instruction, this course equips you to assess, design, permit, and maintain nature-based shoreline stabilization projects that support climate resilience and habitat restoration.

The CBLP Living Shoreline Training Certificate

Ideal for: This certificate is designed for professionals working in coastal environments, including:

  • landscape contractors
  • designers
  • marine contractors
  • educators
  • government or nonprofit staff doing living shoreline implementation
A group of participants gathers along a bridge over some water and wetlands. They observe and discuss features of the living shoreline, which includes native plants and erosion control elements. A calm body of water and some houses are visible in the background.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to assess, design, and plan living shoreline projects using site-specific data
  • The permitting process, including regulatory requirements  and how to prepare and submit permit applications
  • Best practices for shoreline construction, materials, and minimizing site impact
  • Planting zones, plant selection, and monitoring and maintenance 
  • Strategies for collaborating with property owners, contractors, and regulators

Learning format:

  • Two partial days online via Zoom and two full in-person days, including both classroom and field instruction
  • Access to videos, webinars, and expert-led instruction
  • Participants must attend all sessions and complete assignments to earn the certificate
  • Real-world shoreline installation practicum (required to earn the certificate)
A group of adults stand together on a grassy area near a shoreline, participating in a field training session. They are part of the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Shorelines program in Maryland, learning about living shoreline practices. The background features a body of water and natural vegetation, illustrating the coastal environment of the training site

Why professionals choose the CBLP-Shorelines certificate:

  • Expand your business into shoreline stabilization and resilience
  • Build a full shoreline project portfolio with site plan and field practicum
  • Gain Maryland- or Virginia-specific permitting experience
  • Learn from seasoned experts, including public agency regulators
  • Get listed on the CBLP certificate holder directory
  • CEUs available from multiple professional associations

Program schedule:

Offered annually between August and October in Maryland and Virginia. Upcoming training dates and registration details can be found below.

Cost:

$690

Funded sessions may be offered at a reduced cost.

Scholarships may be available for participants in Maryland and Virginia. To inquire, email katie@cblpro.org before registering.

Training Options

CBLP-Shorelines – Maryland

Register for Maryland Training

CBLP-Shorelines – Virginia

Register for Virginia Training

Additional Resources

Looking for more information?

See Contractor FAQs
View Current Certificate Holders

Program Background

CBLP-Shorelines was developed and piloted in Virginia in 2022–2023 through the Living Shoreline Collaborative, convened by the James River Association and supported by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

In 2024, the program was expanded to Maryland with funding support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Chesapeake and Coastal Service, to address regional shoreline restoration needs and permitting practices.