The Master Rain Gardener Program for Lorain County is offering a five-week class on rain gardening at Lorain County Agricultural Center, 42110 Russia Road in Carlisle Township.
The program, which has a $50 sign-up fee, will take place from Jan. 31 to Feb. 28.
The class goes from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays.
Jennifer Reeves, storm water coordinator for the city of Oberlin and event organizer, said rain gardening helps re-distribute rain water in an environmentally friendly way.
“Rain gardening is putting together an area in your yard that is meant to accommodate storm water from your roof or other impervious sources,” Reeves said. “You can make one next to a driveway, for example.”
In teaching the class, Reeves said she will be joined by Patricia Donovan of the Lorain County Soil and Water Conservation District and Watershed and Lyn Ickes, manager of storm water outreach for the county.
Reeves said the classes will provide knowledge on what kinds of plants can survive when the shallow basin of the garden is filled with water, but also when it is more dry and has not recently rained.
“We live in one of the wetter parts of the country,” she said. “Even though I do know that last year we did have a very long dry period, it was followed by a number of frequent and intense rain storms.”
When there are heavy rains, Reeves said storm sewers can be overwhelmed and that retaining water with these types of gardens can help that issue.
Reeves also said that although Lorain County gets plenty of rain, groundwater still is a concern because of man-made systems that draw water away from natural ground areas.
Rain gardens can help that issue as well, she said.
“Anything that helps mimic the historical natural landscape, is a benefit,” Reeves said.
The class is open to people with all levels of experience of gardening.
“This class is designed for everybody who is interested, whether you have a lot of experience with plants, or no experience with plants,” Reeves said. “I’d like to think that if I can figure this out and manage it, then anybody can.”
The class is for anyone in Lorain County and Reeves invites people from surrounding communities to be a part of it.
“Storm water is a county-wide issue and concern,” she said. “Everything that goes through the Black River, goes through Lake Erie.
“And so, we want to make sure that everybody who is a part of the watershed, has an opportunity to get this information.”
To sign up for the class, visit EventBrite and through the January/February News and Updates on the city of Oberlin’s website, cityofoberlin.com.
