Cochise County is offering residents the opportunity to become an accredited professional in holistic management as part of its Highway/Floodplain Department’s plan to restore 480 acres of uncultivated farmland.

Beginning this month, Cochise County will offer a series of classes in an effort to help with the county’s issues of soil erosion stemming from storm water runoff and to educate the public on alternatives to restoring prairie grass to the Palominas/Three Canyons property and to protect the San Pedro River. 

The Phoenix-based program, Holistic Engineering and Land Management (HELM), is designed to examine human, economic and environmental needs in relating to land management and developing restoration alternatives using a holistic management approach. 

HELM and Cochise County are working to develop a plan for restoration of the Palominas property that will include a grazing program for livestock. The hope is to increase capacity for the soil to hold water, which will prevent excessive flooding and erosion near the river, according to the county. 

Classes begin Dec. 12 and cost for the course is $1,500 per person. Classes are limited to 20 students and online course training is also available for an additional cost. Visit arizonasavoryhub.com or helm.world/classes for more information and a schedule of classes.