• Landscape architects, designers, planners, engineers, scientists, architects and contractors involved in the design of stormwater management systems.
• Government agency and municipal employees responsible for overseeing and reviewing these types of systems.
• NGOs involved in helping to educate landowners about rain gardens and native plantings.
• Traditional landscape contractors who would like to incorporate the use of more native landscape in their projects.
• Nonlandscapers who would like to learn more about plant selection and identification for constructed wetlands, buffers and stormwater ponds.

• Incorporate native and naturalized plants into the stormwater design for ecological benefit and potential cost savings.
• Evaluate plans and specifications and understand both pitfalls and successes of projects.
• Understand how to use native plants in a realistic way to maximize benefits.

This one-day course covers:

•    When and why a native landscape approach is the right choice.

•    Stormwater regulatory background and updates.

•    How to plan for a naturalized green infrastructure project.

•    Some techniques to reduce and slow runoff – preserving natural areas, reducing land disturbance, slowing down runoff and minimizing impervious surfaces, where practical.

•    The basics of plant selection for bio-infiltration (rain gardens and bio-swales) to help reduce flooding, improve water quality, stabilize flow rates and prevent erosion.

•     The use of buffers, filter strips and/or level spreaders and how to enhance their performance.

•    Proper design and installation techniques using native and naturalized landscape and green infrastructure.

•    GI inspection and maintenance, including staffing and training considerations.

•    The “whys and hows” of public outreach and education for naturalized stormwater systems.