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.

• August 6, 2026: Class 1 - Watersheds, Stormwater, and Site Selection
• August 13, 2026: Class 2 - Sizing and Soils
• August 20, 2026: Class 3 - Digging and Planning
• August 27, 2026: Class 4 - Plant Section and Design
• September 3, 2026: Class 5 - Final Design Student Presentations

*Participants will have the opportunity to attend optional field trips to local rain gardens and nurseries after each class! 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 can watch the online portion to keep up to date.

We are committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive program that is accessible to all Ohio residents. Please reach out to Laura Bonnell (bGJvbm5lbGwgfCBjcndwICEgb3Jn) to learn more about our need-based scholarship opportunities. Based on need, the course can be available for as low as $20.

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 though, 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 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. 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 Willoughby.