On July 23, 2025, 30 Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteers completed an Advanced Training course in Buford on Waterwise Resilience at F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center and the Environmental Heritage Center. This new training was planned by UGA Extension in Gwinnett County and Gwinnett Water Resources, and instructors designed it to empower Master Gardeners to make a real difference in their communities as ecological stewards with practical skills that support expanding Extension’s outreach in waterwise programming. They dove into the world of rain gardens and learned how they work to reduce runoff, improve water infiltration, and filter out pollutants to protect our local waterways. Participants also explored the vital role of wetlands, from the plants that they support, how they support wildlife, prevent floods and maintain the delicate ecosystem balance. MGEVs gained confidence in advocating for smarter stormwater solutions, proper fertilizer use, and maintaining septic systems responsibly. In additions, they were equipped to contribute to environmental conservation by assisting with water quality monitoring in streams and wetlands. During tours of the facilities and demonstration sites, they learned first hand how retaining stormwater on-site benefits the environment. MGEVs left they training with an improved understanding of the water cycle and how they play a role as gardeners and stewards of the environment. Several shared they were inspired to work with county personnel to pursue similar projects in their counties.
Now, maybe you’re thinking you really missed out. I know I am! But, don’t fret because there’s another opportunity for you. On Friday, September 26, 2025, from 9 AM to 2 PM, a free field trip open to all MGEVs and worth four hours of continuing education will be hosted by UGA Extension Gwinnett and the Gwinnett Department of Water Resources personnel. Transportation for up to fifteen MGEVs will be provided via bus from the Gwinnett Water Resources office (684 Winder Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30045) to the field trip sites. Additional MGEVs are welcome to carshare and caravan along with the bus.
Three bioengineered sites will be visited in this field trip, located in a city and county park and on the grounds of a high school. Participants will see and explore plenty of greenspace with biofilters, wetlands, bioretention cells; plus stream restoration sites, stormwater regeneration features, and more! This education packed day will allow for a bring your own brown bag lunch at a park pavilion. Though provided transportation is limited to fifteen, MGEVs are encouraged to caravan along to see some fantastic horticultural and environmental engineering in action! Learn more and sign up for this field trip by contacting Lisa Klein with UGA Extension Gwinnett at lisa.klein@gwinnettcounty.com or call 678-377-4010.
