NEO Master Rain Gardener

Summer 2023 In-Person Residential Course
2023-07-06 10:00 - 2023-08-10 13:00 UTC | Watershed Stewardship Center, 2277 West Ridgewood Drive, Parma, OH, 44134, United States
This Master Rain Gardener Program will teach you how to manage rain water in your own yard. Rain gardens naturally manage stormwater by infiltrating precipitation and allowing it to soak into the ground rather than sending it directly to storm sewers and nearby streams untreated. Experienced instructors will provide customized feedback which will enable you to design and install a rain garden. Topics will include site assessment, soil analysis, design, construction, plant selection, mulching, and maintenance.
The Residential Certification is geared toward homeowners who would like to install a rain garden in their own yard and serve as the neighborhood expert on rain gardens.
2023 In-person Course Dates:
• Class 1: Thursday, July 6, 2023. 10:00 am-1:00 pm*
• Class 2: Thursday, July 13, 2023. 10:00 am-1:00 pm*
• Class 3: Thursday, July 20, 2023. 10:00 am-1:00 pm*
• Class 4: Thursday, July 27, 2023. 10:00 am-1:00 pm*
• Class 5: Thursday, August 10, 2023. 10:00 am-1:00 pm*
*Light refreshments will be provided. There will be optional field trips to nearby rain gardens and a native plant nursery after each class!
Unable to make all the classes? A hybrid option is available!
We offer an online course that follows the same content as the in-person course. If you need to miss any classes, you watch the online portion to keep up to date.
Need-based scholarships are available!
We are committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive program that is accessible to all Ohio residents. Please reach out to Sarah Brunot (sbrunot@crwp.org) to learn more about our scholarship opportunities.

MRG Field Day at Rice Library
2023-05-05 08:00 - 15:00 | Cleveland Public Library – Rice Branch, 11535 Shaker Blvd., Cleveland, OH, 44104, United States
MRG students, volunteers, and instructors will be installing a public rain garden from start to finish in one day at Rice Library in Cleveland in partnership with the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership! Participation is limited, so please reach out to Sarah Brunot at sbrunot@crwp.org if you’re interested in attending.
Rain date: May 12, 2023

Rain Gardens 101 at Rice Library
2023-04-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Cleveland Public Library – Rice Branch, 11535 Shaker Blvd., Cleveland, OH, 44104, United States
Please join the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership and Chagrin River Watershed Partners to discover how rain gardens work, how they can help with localized water issues, and what it takes to install one in your own yard. You’ll also learn more about the Northeast Ohio Master Rain Gardener program and how you can become a Master Rain Gardener! Registration isn’t required, but we’d love to know if you plan to join us! RSVP at the link below. DBWP staff will share information about the Doan Brook watershed and the class will be taught by CRWP Senior Project Manager and MRG Instructor, Laura Bonnell.

Late-Winter 2023 In-Person Course
2023-03-01 10:00 - 2023-04-05 13:00 | South Euclid Community Center, 1370 Victory Dr, Cleveland, OH, 44121, United States
Learn to design, dig and plant your own rain garden! Share your knowledge and become your community’s expert on rain gardens.
This Master Rain Gardener Program will teach you how to install rain gardens on a residential scale. Rain gardens naturally manage stormwater by capturing rain from a roof, driveway, sidewalk or yard and allowing it to soak into the ground rather than sending it directly to storm sewers and nearby streams untreated. Experienced instructors will provide customized feedback, which will enable you to design and install your own rain garden. Topics will include site assessment, soil analysis, design, construction, plant selection, mulching, and maintenance.
Cost $75.00
Scholarships Available: Based on need, the course can be offered for as low as $10. Contact Kate Chapel at kchapel@cuyahogaswcd.org for more information.
This five-class course is open to residents of Northeast Ohio and will be held in person on Wednesdays from 10am – 1pm at the South Euclid Community Center in South Euclid, OH:

March 1 – Introduction to rain gardens, stormwater, and watersheds
March 8 – Location, sizing, and soil considerations
March 15 – Digging and Drawing
March 22 – Plant selection and design
March 29 – By-week to give you time to finalize your designs and presentations
April 5 – Graduation Day! Provide your final design, option to present to the class, field trip to a public rain garden

Participants are required to install their own rain garden, adopt a public rain garden, rehab a rain garden, or participate in a rain garden installation field day to receive certification. Graduates will receive a Master Rain Gardener t-shirt, a yard sign, and a certificate of completion.

Winter 2023 Professional Online Course
2023-01-30 - 2023-03-10 | Ohio
This Professional Rain Gardener Program will certify you to install rain gardens professionally on residential properties. Rain gardens naturally manage stormwater by infiltrating precipitation and allowing it to soak into the ground rather than sending it directly to storm sewers and nearby streams untreated. Experienced instructors will provide feedback, which will enable you to design and install rain gardens. Topics will include site assessment, soil analysis, design, construction, plant selection, mulching, and maintenance.
This five-week course is open to landscape professionals and contractors that provide services to Northeast Ohio and will be taken online. Participants in the professional certification track will be required to pass a final exam and either participate in a field day (public rain garden installation) or install a residential rain garden. Graduates will receive a Master Rain Gardener t-shirt, yard sign, and a certificate of completion. Professionals will also have to option to be listed on a public website of Northeast Ohio Professional Master Rain Gardeners that will be maintained by and held on partner websites.
The Professional Certification is geared toward landscape professionals and contractors looking to install rain gardens professionally on residential properties. Your Master Rain Gardener Professional Certification can be used to promote your expertise and as a selling point for your business.
Recorded class webinars can be watched at your convenience with virtual office hours each week!

Winter 2023 Residential Online Course
2023-01-30 - 2023-03-10 | Ohio
This Master Rain Gardener Program will teach you how to install rain gardens on a residential scale. Rain gardens naturally manage stormwater by infiltrating precipitation and allowing it to soak into the ground rather than sending it directly to storm sewers and nearby streams untreated. Experienced instructors will provide feedback, which will enable you to design and install your own rain garden. Topics will include site assessment, soil analysis, design, construction, plant selection, mulching, and maintenance.
This five-week course is open to residents of Northeast Ohio and will be taken online. Participants are required to install their own rain garden, adopt a public rain garden, or participate in a rain garden installation field day to receive certification. Graduates will receive a Master Rain Gardener t-shirt, a yard sign, and a certificate of completion.
Recorded class webinars can be watched at your convenience with live office hours each week!
Need-based scholarships are available!
We are committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive program that is accessible to all Ohio residents. Please reach out to Sarah Brunot (sbrunot@crwp.org) to learn more about our scholarship opportunities.

Fall 2022 Online Course
2022-09-05 - 2022-10-07 | Ohio
Learn to design, dig and plant your own rain garden!!
Share your knowledge and become your community’s expert on rain gardens. At the end of this 5-class course, you will become a Master Rain Gardener!
This Master Rain Gardener Program will teach you how to install rain gardens on a residential scale. Rain gardens naturally manage stormwater by capturing rain from a roof, driveway, sidewalk or yard and allowing it to soak into the ground rather than sending it directly to storm sewers and nearby streams untreated. Experienced instructors will provide customized feedback, which will enable you to design and install your own rain garden. Topics will include site assessment, soil analysis, design, construction, plant selection, mulching, and maintenance.
Cost $50.00
Scholarships Available: Based on need, the course can be offered for as low as $10. Contact Jared at 216-524-6580 ext 1003 for more information.
This five-class course is open to residents of Northeast Ohio and will be taken online. Participants are required to install their own rain garden or adopt a public rain garden for at least a year to receive certification. Graduates will receive a Master Rain Gardener t-shirt, a yard sign, and a certificate of completion.
Recorded class webinars can be watched at your convenience with live Q&A sessions every week Fridays at noon!
Register for class here.

Summer 2022 In-Person Professional Course
2022-08-03 10:00 - 2022-09-07 14:00 | Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Willoughby, OH, 44094, United States
This Master Rain Gardener Program will teach you how to manage rain water in your clients’ yards. Rain gardens naturally manage stormwater by infiltrating precipitation and allowing it to soak into the ground rather than sending it directly to storm sewers and nearby streams untreated. Experienced instructors will provide customized feedback which will enable you to design and install a rain garden. Topics will include site assessment, soil analysis, design, construction, plant selection, mulching, and maintenance.
Participants in the professional certification track will be required to pass a final exam and either participate in a field day (public rain garden installation) or install a residential rain garden. Graduates will receive a Master Rain Gardener t-shirt, yard sign, and a certificate of completion. Professionals will also have to option to be listed on a public website of Northeast Ohio Professional Master Rain Gardeners that will be maintained by and held on partner websites.
The Professional Certification is geared toward landscape professionals and contractors looking to install rain gardens professionally on residential properties. Your Master Rain Gardener Professional Certification can be used to promote your expertise and as a selling point for your business.
2022 In-person Course Dates:
• Class 1: Wednesday, August 3, 2022. 10:00 am-2:00 pm*
• Class 2: Wednesday, August 10, 2022. 10:00 am-2:00 pm*
• Class 3: Wednesday, August 17, 2022. 10:00 am-2:00 pm*
• Class 4: Wednesday, August 24, 2022. 10:00 am-2:00 pm*
• Class 5: Wednesday, September 7, 2022. 10:00 am-2:00 pm*
*Light refreshments will be provided
Unable to make all the classes? A hybrid option is available!
We offer an online course that follows the same content as the in-person course. If you need to miss any classes, you watch the online portion to keep up to date.

Summer 2022 In-Person Residential Course
2022-08-03 10:00 - 2022-09-07 14:00 | Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Willoughby, OH, 44094, United States
This Master Rain Gardener Program will teach you how to manage rain water in your own yard. Rain gardens naturally manage stormwater by infiltrating precipitation and allowing it to soak into the ground rather than sending it directly to storm sewers and nearby streams untreated. Experienced instructors will provide customized feedback which will enable you to design and install a rain garden. Topics will include site assessment, soil analysis, design, construction, plant selection, mulching, and maintenance.
The Residential Certification is geared toward homeowners who would like to install a rain garden in their own yard and serve as the neighborhood expert on rain gardens.
2022 In-person Course Dates:
• Class 1: Wednesday, August 3, 2022. 10:00 am-2:00 pm*
• Class 2: Wednesday, August 10, 2022. 10:00 am-2:00 pm*
• Class 3: Wednesday, August 17, 2022. 10:00 am-2:00 pm*
• Class 4: Wednesday, August 24, 2022. 10:00 am-2:00 pm*
• Class 5: Wednesday, September 7, 2022. 10:00 am-2:00 pm*
*Light refreshments will be provided
Unable to make all the classes? A hybrid option is available!
We offer an online course that follows the same content as the in-person course. If you need to miss any classes, you watch the online portion to keep up to date.
Need-based scholarships are available!
We are committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive program that is accessible to all Ohio residents. Please reach out to Olivia Drabiak (odrabiak@crwp.org) to learn more about our scholarship opportunities.

Spring 2022 In Person Course
2022-05-02 10:00 - 2022-06-06 14:00 | Ohio
Learn to design, dig and plant your own rain garden!!
Share your knowledge and become your community’s expert on rain gardens. At the end of this 5-class course, you will become a Master Rain Gardener!
This Master Rain Gardener Program will teach you how to install rain gardens on a residential scale. Rain gardens naturally manage stormwater by capturing rain from a roof, driveway, sidewalk or yard and allowing it to soak into the ground rather than sending it directly to storm sewers and nearby streams untreated. Experienced instructors will provide customized feedback, which will enable you to design and install your own rain garden. Topics will include site assessment, soil analysis, design, construction, plant selection, mulching, and maintenance.
Cost $75.00
Scholarships Available: Based on need, the course can be offered for as low as $10. Contact Jared at 216-524-6580 ext 1003 for more information.
This five-class course is open to residents of Northeast Ohio and will be held in person at the Cleveland Metroparks West Creek Reservation Watershed Stewardship Center in Parma Ohio:

Monday, May 2nd: 10 am to 2 pm
Monday, May 9th: 10 am to 2 pm
Monday, May 16th: 10 am to 2 pm
Monday, May 23rd: 10 am to 2 pm
Monday, June 6th: 10 am to 2 pm

Participants are required to install their own rain garden or adopt a public rain garden for at least a year to receive certification. Graduates will receive a Master Rain Gardener t-shirt, a yard sign, and a certificate of completion.
Register for class here.

Winter 2022 Professional Online Course - SOLD OUT!
2022-01-31 - 2022-03-11 | Ohio
This Professional Rain Gardener Program will certify you to install rain gardens professionally on residential properties. Rain gardens naturally manage stormwater by infiltrating precipitation and allowing it to soak into the ground rather than sending it directly to storm sewers and nearby streams untreated. Experienced instructors will provide customized feedback, which will enable you to design and install rain gardens. Topics will include site assessment, soil analysis, design, construction, plant selection, mulching, and maintenance.
This five-week course is open to landscape professionals and contractors that provide services to Northeast Ohio and will be taken online. Participants in the professional certification track will be required to pass a final exam and either participate in a field day (public rain garden installation) or install a residential rain garden. Graduates will receive a Master Rain Gardener t-shirt, yard sign, and a certificate of completion. Professionals will also have to option to be listed on a public website of Northeast Ohio Professional Master Rain Gardeners that will be maintained by and held on partner websites.
The Professional Certification is geared toward landscape professionals and contractors looking to install rain gardens professionally on residential properties. Your Master Rain Gardener Professional Certification can be used to promote your expertise and as a selling point for your business.
Recorded class webinars can be watched at your convenience with optional live Q&A sessions each week!

Winter 2022 Residential Online Course - SOLD OUT!
2022-01-31 - 2022-03-11 | Ohio
This Master Rain Gardener Program will teach you how to install rain gardens on a residential scale. Rain gardens naturally manage stormwater by infiltrating precipitation and allowing it to soak into the ground rather than sending it directly to storm sewers and nearby streams untreated. Experienced instructors will provide customized feedback, which will enable you to design and install your own rain garden. Topics will include site assessment, soil analysis, design, construction, plant selection, mulching, and maintenance.
This five-week course is open to residents of Northeast Ohio and will be taken online. Participants are required to install their own rain garden or adopt a public rain garden for at least a year to receive certification. Graduates will receive a Master Rain Gardener t-shirt, a yard sign, and a certificate of completion.
Recorded class webinars can be watched at your convenience with optional live Q&A sessions each week!
Need-based scholarships are available!
We are committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive program that is accessible to all Ohio residents. Please reach out to Olivia Drabiak (odrabiak@crwp.org) to learn more about our scholarship opportunities.

Master Rain Gardener Self Paced Online Class
2021-12-01 08:00 - 17:00, 2021-11-01 08:00 - 17:00, 2021-10-01 08:00 - 17:00, 2021-09-01 08:00 - 17:00 | Ohio
Learn to design, dig and plant your own rain garden!!
Rain gardens capture and soak in rainwater that runs off hard surfaces like roofs and driveways while filtering pollutants that would otherwise flow to our storm drains and into our creeks and streams.
Share your knowledge and become your community’s expert on rain gardens.
There are five classes. Watch videos for each class and do the homework. By the end you have your rain garden all planned out, and you are ready to dig, build a rain garden and become a Master Rain Gardener!

Cost: $50 Click Here to Register

Class videos will be hosted online and can be viewed at your own pace. Register below to get started.
Requirements:
Participants must view all course online content, and then either plant a new rain garden, rehab a rain garden, or adopt a public rain garden to receive their Master RAIN Gardener certificate.
All graduates receive a Master Rain Gardener t-shirt!

Volunteer at Food Strong Rain Garden
2021-11-20 09:00 - 12:00 | The urban farm across from the Coit Road Farmer’s Market at 15000 Woodworth Rd, Cleveland, OH 44110, 15000 Woodworth Rd, Cleveland, Ohio, 44110
Join SWCD staff to help prepare the newly installed rain garden for winter. If we get done early we can help out with other farm priorities.
Coit Road Farmers Market has Volunteer events every 3rd Saturday of the month:
Please come out and help us get the Coit Road Farmers Market and Urban Farm renovated and beautified! We will be working on cleaning, repairing, and organizing the market.
We will be convening in larger groups outdoors as well as requiring masks.
This is a great opportunity for groups, organizations, and youth to get community service hours and give back!
If you have any questions, please call 216-640-0342 or email info@foodstrong.org .
For more Food Strong Events visit: https://www.foodstrong.org/event-calendar

The Temple-Tifereth Native Garden Installation
2021-10-02 08:00 - 12:00 | The Temple-Tifereth Israel, 26000 Shaker Blvd,, Beachwood, Ohio, 44122
Join Cuyahoga SWCD and The Temple-Tifereth to create a memorial garden for Joe Newman in Beachwood Ohio. While not a rain garden, this planting plan will include many plants that do well in rain gardens. Come help plant and learn!
Email Elizabeth to RSVP: ehiser@cuyahogaswcd.org

Rain Garden and Native Plant Install - Westlake
2021-09-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Lee Burneson Middle School, 2260 Dover Center Rd,, Westlak,, Ohio, 44145
Come help install a rain garden and native plant beds at the Lee Burneson Middle School in Westlake! Site is prepped and ready for planting and mulch! Students and parents will be on site to assist as well.
Rain Date: 9/26 same time
Email Elizabeth to RSVP: ehiser@cuyahogaswcd.org

Rain Garden Tour
2021-09-10 10:30 - 11:30 | 5670 Birdie Lane, Mentor, Ohio, 5670 Birdie Lane, Mentor, OH, United States
Join Meg Shay and Lake County master gardeners for a tour of Meg’s rain garden built in fall of 2019 and planted spring of 2020.

Rain Garden Field Day
2021-08-28 14:00 - 17:00 | Ohio
Join TCWP and Summit SWCD at Matthew Thomas Park to care for the local rain garden!
6737 Olde 8 Rd, Hudson, OH 44236
We will be removing weeds and planting new native species. Come and go as you please, but please wear close-toed shoes, bring water, and consider sunscreen and biting insects.
By registering for this event, you sign TCWP’s wavier.
Reach out to Kate Chapel (kchapel@tinkerscreekwatershed.org) for questions or more info.

Rain Garden Tour
2021-08-28 14:00 - 15:30 | Ohio
Join Mark Brody for a tour of his two rain gardens in Parma. Email Elizabeth to sign up.

Fall Online Course
2021-08-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Ohio
Learn to design, dig and plant your own rain garden!!
Share your knowledge and become your community’s expert on rain gardens. At the end of this 5-session course, you will become a Master Rain Gardener! Rain gardens capture and soak in rainwater that runs off hard surfaces like roofs and driveways while filtering pollutants that would otherwise flow to our storm drains and into our creeks and streams.
Hosted by Cuyahoga SWCD, Lake SWCD, and Chagrin River Watershed Partners.
Instructors: Elizabeth Hiser and Amy Roskilly – Cuyahoga SWCD, Natalie Gertz-Young – Lake SWCD, Laura Bonnell, Chagrin River Watershed Partners.
Rain gardens work with nature to collect and filter rainwater that runs off impervious surfaces like rooftops and driveways. Impervious surfaces lead to increases in surface runoff and often result in increased flooding and stream bank erosion. As water travels over impervious surfaces it also has the potential to pick up pollutants. Polluted stormwater runoff enters our rivers and lakes and is one of the leading threats to water quality in the U.S.
This Master Rain Gardener Program will teach you how to manage rain water in your own yard. Rain gardens naturally manage stormwater by infiltrating precipitation and allowing it to soak into the ground rather than sending it directly to storm sewers and nearby streams untreated. Experienced instructors will provide customized feedback which will enable you to design and install a rain garden. Topics will include site assessment, soil analysis, design, construction, plant selection, mulching, and maintenance.
This 5 week course can be taken online and is offered as 5 weekly modules, allowing for more flexibility for those who are unable to attend the in-person classes. All participants will be required to complete five weeks of online course content and hands-on assignments and weekly quizzes.
The Residential Certification is geared toward homeowners who would like to install a rain garden in their own yard and serve as the neighborhood expert on rain gardens. This is a great educational extension program for Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists as well. To earn this certification, participants must complete the online 5-week course and install their own rain garden or adopt a public rain garden. Participants will receive a certificate and Master Rain Gardener T-shirt upon course completion.

Summer In-Person Course
2021-08-18 10:00 - 2021-08-25 14:00 | Holden Arboretum
2021 In-Person Course Dates:
Wednesday, July 21 – Wednesday, August 25
Class 1: Wednesday, July 21, 2021. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Class 2: Wednesday, July 28, 2021. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Class 3: Wednesday, August 4, 2021. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Class 4: Wednesday, August 11, 2021. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Class 5: Wednesday, August 25, 2021. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Multiple field day options available (required for professional certification only)
Location:  Holden Arboretum - 9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094
Cost:
$75 for Residential Certification (scholarships available)
Register for the In-person Residential Certification Course here.
$100 for Professional Certification
Register for the In-Person Professional Certification Course here.
