Program Objectives

Rainscaping is a combination of sustainable landscape design and management practices that prevents polluted runoff from reaching water bodies — directing stormwater to be absorbed by plants and soils.

The Purdue Rainscaping Education Program provides training and resources on rainscaping practices that can be installed in residential settings or small-scale public spaces projects.

Target Audiences

The program provides advanced training in rain garden planning, installation, and maintenance for:

  • Purdue Extension Master Gardeners
  • Conservation agencies and organizations
  • Stormwater professionals
  • Landscape companies and consultants

Participants are encouraged to attend as a community team to support implementation of public education programs and provide technical assistance to homeowners upon completion of the training.

Format

Our program consists of five modules (three hours each) in a workshop setting. Program modules include:

  • Flipped classroom instruction
  • Online learning opportunities
  • Experiential training activities
  • Field techniques
  • Field trips to community examples of rainscaping projects

Participants also gain hands-on experience by creating a demonstration rain garden project with community members in a public space.