Rain Garden & Water Quality Clinic
Upcoming Workshops
April 9, 2022
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Eno River Association
4404 Guess Road
Durham, NC 27712
Each workshop is unique. The information below is provided for general information about the workshop. Please reference the registration website for specific information about the individual workshop.
About the Workshop
The need for qualified stormwater SCM installers is growing. As homeowners and property managers become more aware of the rules and regulations related to built-upon area (BUA) stormwater management and their related obligations and rights regarding the transfer of property. Many are choosing to manage the runoff and reduce BUA with rain gardens and other stormwater BMPs. Rain gardens, one of the most common installations, are shallow depressions and serve as landscape features that can effectively collect and treat stormwater and reduce localized flooding. Rain gardens can be integrated into the existing landscape as a retrofit or be included in the initial landscaping plan. To effectively manage stormwater, rain gardens must be accurately sized and properly constructed. This 1-day workshop will present a method for sizing and designing rain gardens and will detail proper construction techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to take an exam and become certified in rain garden design and installation.
This workshop, led by experienced installers from NC State University – Cooperative Extension, will familiarize participants with the installation and maintenance of different kinds of stormwater BMPs and to certify qualification to properly design and install many of the practices. This workshop takes place rain or shine.
As a result of this training you will:
- Understand why stormwater needs to be managed.
- Understand the importance of properly-designed practices.
- Understand the principles of rain garden location, construction, and maintenance.
- Learn how to properly design and size rain gardens and other BMPs.
- Be able to select appropriate vegetation.
- Design, build, and plant a small rain garden.
- Be eligible to take a test at the conclusion of the training to be certified in rain garden design and installation.
This clinic is being held in partnership with the Eno River Association

Who Should Attend
This workshop is tailored to professionals who design, install or maintain rain gardens and other stormwater Best Management Practices and the following groups of individuals:
- Commercial and Residential Landscapers
- Landscape Architects
- Design Engineers
- Homeowners
- Homeowner Association Members
- Property Managers and Owners
- Teachers and Educators
- Students
- Master Gardeners
- Town and City Stormwater Managers
- Those Interested in Learning About Rain Gardens and Their Benefits
Registration Fee Information
FREE
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellation requests should be sent to bae_training@ncsu.edu for processing.
Attendee substitutions from within the same company may be made at any time at no cost. Please send an email to bae_training@ncsu.edu with the name of the current registrant and the name and email address of the new registrant.
Severe Weather Cancellation and Refund Policy
In the event of severe weather, this workshop may be postponed or canceled at the discretion of the workshop instructors and coordinators. If the workshop is postponed, you may receive a refund if you are unable to attend the newly scheduled date, time, and location. Please contact bae_training@ncsu.edu if you are unable to attend the rescheduled workshop. If the workshop is canceled, you will receive a full refund. If the workshop is postponed or canceled, the workshop instructors and coordination staff are not responsible for participants not meeting their PDHs or CEUs requirements with their various professional licensing boards.
Workshop Schedule
Watch Pre-Recorded Lectures on Materials Website Prior to the Date of the Workshop
8:30 am – 9:00 am | Registration |
9:00 am – 9:15 am | Introduction Program Overview What is Urban Stormwater Runoff Water Quality Benefits Associated with Rain Gardens |
9:15 am – 12:00 pm | Hands-On Rain Garden: – Siting – Sizing – Planting – Installation |
What to Bring
Participants will be installing a rain garden and should dress accordingly. This workshop takes place RAIN or SHINE. Recommended items include:
Our Instructors
This workshop is led by experienced rain garden installers. Current instructors are faculty from NC State University’s Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering and faculty from NC Cooperative Extension Services.
Resources
Rain Garden 101 PowerPoint Presentation
Rain Garden Plant Selection PowerPoint Presentation
Chatham County Cooperative Extension Rain Gardens Website
Native Plant Resources Website
North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Gardener Plant Toolbox Database
The North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook Website