The Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) Smart Salting Training helps reduce winter salt pollution beyond state and county roads—covering parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks. This hybrid course is designed for property managers, business owners, landscaping companies, and other private contractors and salt applicators who maintain parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks in the winter.
Certificate of Completion Requirements
To earn a certificate of completion, you must:
- Complete the online course (6 modules; approximately 3 hours)
- Attend a half-day in-person workshop
- Score 75% or higher on the online multiple-choice final exam
Step 1: Choose a Workshop & Register
Seats are first come, first served. If your preferred session is full, please select another date/location.
- Monday, September 21 (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) — Columbia, MD
Howard County Bureau of Facilities Building, 9200 Berger Rd, Columbia, MD 21046
Register for September 21 (Howard County) - Wednesday, October 7 (7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.) — Upper Marlboro, MD
MNCPPC Randall Farm Depot, 5200 Ritchie Marlboro Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Register for October 7 (MNCPPC) - Thursday, October 22 (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) — Laurel, MD
WSSC Water Headquarters, 14501 Sweitzer Ln, Laurel, MD 20707
Register for October 22 (WSSC Water) - Thursday, November 12 (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) — Columbia, MD
Columbia Association, 9450 Gerwig Ln, Columbia, MD 21046
Register for November 12 (Columbia Association) - Monday, November 16 (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) — Elkton, MD
Cecil County Administration Building, 200 Chesapeake Blvd, Elkton, MD 21921
Register for November 16 (Cecil County)
Enrollment Fee & Employer-Reserved Seats
The enrollment fee is $100 per person and is collected when you register—unless your employer has reserved a seat for you. If your employer reserved your seat, you will receive an email from a University of Maryland email address with enrollment instructions. Please monitor your inbox. If you have any questions, reach out to your employer or contact Natalia Sanchez at nsanchez@umd.edu or (301) 405-5421.
Step 2: Complete the Online Course (Before Your Workshop)
The online course is self-paced and can be completed anytime by December 31, 2026. If you self-enrolled and paid the $100 enrollment fee, you will need to create an Associate’s Account to access the modules. Detailed instructions on this process are available below.
How to Create a UMD Associate's Account Instructions (self-registration) INSERT LINK HERE
If you were registered by your employer, the instructions to access the modules will be emailed to you from a University of Maryland email address with enrollment instructions. Please monitor your inbox.
Online course access opens August 17, 2026.
Step 3: Attend the In-Person Workshop
Workshops include both indoor and outdoor activities. Please:
- Dress for the weather
- Bring a clipboard and pen/pencil
- Complete the online modules before you arrive
Coffee and bagels will be provided at the start of the workshop (no lunch will be provided).
Step 4: Complete the Final Exam
The multiple-choice final exam is available through the online course platform and can be completed before or after the in-person workshop.
You must score 75% or higher to receive a certificate of completion.
Deadline: Exams must be completed by December 31, 2026.
Certificates: Emailed in January 2027.
Need Help?
If you need help at any stage in the process, please contact Natalia Sanchez at nsanchez@umd.edu or (301) 405-5421.
This course was developed by the Maryland Department of the Environment, Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland, and the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council. A special thank you to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin for developing the Enhanced Winter Maintenance Training Manual from which the course was inspired and to the Maryland Department of the Environment for initiating, guiding, and subsidizing this training program.