Master Rain Gardener Program: In-Person Residential Certification

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.

June 18, 2026: Class 1 - Watersheds, Stormwater, + Site Selection

June 25, 2026: Class 2 - Sizing + Soils

July 2, 2026: Class 3 - Digging + Planning

July 9, 2026: Class 4 - Plant Selection + Design

*Class 4 will take place at the Ritter Public Library in Vermilion

July 16, 2026: Class 5 - Final Design + Student Presentations

Light refreshments will be provided.

We are committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive program that is accessible to all Ohio residents. Please reach out to Erie Conservation District (ZXJpZWNvbnNlcnZlcyB8IGVyaWVjb3VudHkgISBvaCAhIGdvdg==) to learn more about our need-based scholarship opportunities. Based on the need, the course can be available for as low as $30.

This course will provide you with the information and experience to build your own rain garden and become a Certified Master Rain Gardener. We recognize that not everyone can build a rain garden on their own property, so you can also become certified by participating in a public rain garden installation or volunteering at a public rain garden.

Upon certification, you'll receive a Master Rain Gardener t-shirt, sign, and certificate (included in the cost of registration).

Rain gardens work with natrue 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 imperivous 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 United States. 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.

Also check out other Workshops in Huron.