Image courtesy of Arthur Kay.The next free rain garden training for local landscape contractors will be held on Wednesday, June 8, and Thursday, June 9, 2016.  (In the event of inclement weather, the rain date for the field session is Tuesday, June 14th).

Who is eligible to attend? Everyone. You do not need previous experience in rain garden installations to attend, but in order to become a RiverSmart Homes contractor, you will be required to have experience in landscape design/installation and knowledge of native plant selection is preferred. You may send more than one representative from your company.

In which languages will the training be offered? We are excited to announce that this spring we are offering a training in Spanish! The standard classroom session in English will be followed by a classroom session in Spanish. Both will take place on Wednesday, June 8th. The field session will be conducted in English, with Spanish translation as needed, on the morning of Thursday, June 9th. Attendance at both a classroom session and field session is required to participate in the program.  If fewer than five people register for the Spanish training, we will postpone this option until the fall. Please let us know if you are interested and help spread the word!

Is there a cost? No, the training is free.What material will be covered in the training? The training will consist of both a classroom session and a hands-on component during the field session. The classroom session will cover the design specifications for RiverSmart Homes rain gardens and administrative aspects, such as reimbursements and project review. We will not cover plant selection, placement, or garden design basics. During the field session, we will install a rain garden at one of our RiverSmart Homes sites. Please come prepared with water, gloves, boots, hat, etc.

When will the training take place?
Classroom Session: Wednesday, June 8th

  • Classroom instruction in English: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Classroom instruction in Spanish: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Field Session: Thursday, June 9th, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Please note:

  • Attendance at both the classroom session and field session is required in order to participate in the RiverSmart Homes Program as a contractor
  • Rain date for field session: Tuesday, June 14th, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where will the training be held?

  • Classroom Session: District Department of Energy & Environment, 1200 First St NE, 5th Floor, Washington DC (Metro: Red Line, New York Ave/Gallaudet stop)
  • Field Session: Rain garden install at RiverSmart Homes site (TBD)

Please register no later than Wednesday, June 1st, by emailing Sarah Davidson. Participation is capped at 15 participants, so RSVP early to secure your spot!

Please direct all questions to Sarah Davidson, sdavidson@allianceforthebay.org.