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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN YOUR BACKYARD RAIN GARDEN OUTREACH MANUAL

Horticulture & Turfgrass

Madeline Flahive DiNardo
COUNTY AGENT
Berkeley Heights

Abstract

“Stormwater Management in Your Backyard: an Extension Initiative for NJ, NY and VA” is rain garden outreach program funded by a USDA NIFA National Water program grant. One of the objectives of the program is to train Master Gardeners and volunteers from community organizations how to teach children and adults about the use of rain gardens to manage stormwater runoff. The program consists of classroom instruction on rain gardens; a “hands-on” demonstration garden installation; and a “Train-the Trainer” workshop. A team of extension professionals from Rutgers, Virginia Tech and Cornell Cooperative Extension developed a manual and CD for extension professionals and volunteers to use as a resource. For youth audiences, the manual includes lesson plans for elementary school grades 1-3 and 4-7. Templates for program publicity; rain garden plant fact sheets and registration are on the CD. Program evaluations and follow-up surveys are included. The manual has publicity, registration forms and fact sheets on rain gardens for adult education programs. A scripted Power Point presentation is included on the accompanying CD rom. Adult program evaluations ask participants to rate their knowledge before and after the program and indicate intended behavior changes. A follow up survey requests information on behavior changes, such as installing a rain garden. The manual has been piloted with 71 Master Gardeners in NJ, NY and VA. Master Gardeners and Extension staff who participated in the “Train-the Trainer” program used their new skills to give 5 lectures to 267 community members and installed seven community demonstration gardens. Authors: Rusinek, T., Flahive DiNardo, M. , Boyajian, A., Benham, B.
  1. Rusinek, T. Agricultural Issues and Horticulture Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County, New York, 12401
  2. Flahive DiNardo, M. County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, New Jersey, 07090
  3. Boyajian, A. Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program, New Jersey, 08901
  4. Benham, B. Extension Specialist , Virginia Tech Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia, 24061