What: This training is all about empowering Master Gardeners to make a real difference in their communities! Participants will dive into the world of rain gardens and learn how these incredible features can reduce runoff, improve water infiltration, and filter out pollutants to protect our local waterways. They’ll also explore the vital role wetlands, and all the plants that they support, play in supporting wildlife, preventing floods and maintaining the delicate ecosystem balance—all while discovering how retaining stormwater on-site benefits the environment.
Master Gardeners will also gain skills on landscape design, proper plant selection and installation for rain gardens; composting with water quality in mind and adopting sustainable landscaping practices. They’ll learn about how rain gardens can be used as powerful teaching tools to engage the public, showcasing wetland and riparian plants, native plants and water-efficient designs.
Beyond gardening techniques, this training will also build confidence in advocating for smarter stormwater solutions, proper fertilizer use, and maintaining septic systems responsibly. Plus, participants will be equipped to contribute to environmental conservation by assisting with water quality monitoring in streams and wetlands.
This will expand the outreach of Extension in this underutilized category. It’s a journey that combines ecological stewardship with practical skills to inspire lasting change! Those who receive this training will be expected to assist their respective county Extension offices by providing educational instruction and outreach in this topic.
- Where: This training will be held in the conference room at F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center with an afternoon session at Sterner Stream next door at the Gwinnett Environmental Heritage Center. There will be signage to direct participants to the Operations Center at F. Wayne Hill. Sign in as you enter the building, and we will meet inside the conference room. Plan to arrive between 8:30-9:00am to register and enjoy a light breakfast. Class is from 9:15am– 4:00 pm.
- When: July 23, 2025
- Cost: $65
- Capacity: 30
- Registration includes Panera lunch, snacks, and class materials (laminated landscape plans and glossy booklets with species lists and rain garden info).
- AT Category: Water Quality Management (WQM)
- Registration deadline: Friday July 11, 2025
When using the online registration, please Checkout as Guest by simply entering your email under Contact Information. You do NOT need to use “Login” or “Register Now”. Please complete your registration by entering your email address, clicking “Checkout as Guest,” and then proceeding to the payment step.
Training agenda and additional communication will be shared via email to registered participants.
For the full 2025 Advanced Training schedule, check out the AT webpage.
Questions? Reach out to Sarah Sawyer at the State Program office, sarahdh@uga.edu.
