From Airwaves to Action: Using Community Radio to Educate Residents on Rain Garden Design and Native Plant Landscaping
Audio Recording
Samantha Porzelt
Charleston
Team Members:
Porzelt, S*1
-
Water Resources Agent, Clemson Extension, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401
Abstract
The July 17, 2025, episode of Get Planting on Meeting Green (WOHM 96.3 FM) featured an interview with Samantha Porzelt, Clemson Extension Water Resources Agent, and focused on rain gardens, native plants, and practical steps homeowners can take to reduce stormwater runoff and improve local water quality. The objective of the program was to educate Lowcountry residents about stormwater management and sustainable landscaping practices during the peak summer storm season, when runoff and flooding concerns are common in coastal communities like Charleston, South Carolina. During the interview, Samantha explained what rain gardens are and how they capture and infiltrate runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs and driveways. She provided practical guidance on rain garden site selection, conducting percolation tests, appropriate native plant species, and basic maintenance practices so listeners could implement them on their own properties. The conversation also highlighted the ecological benefits of native plants for pollinators and wildlife habitat, as well as their role in improving water conservation and biodiversity in residential landscapes. The hour-long show featured educational discussion segments interspersed with music and listener questions, creating an engaging, conversational format that encourages community participation. The recording was produced and broadcast by WOHM radio staff and the Meeting Green hosts, with Samantha contributing subject matter expertise and educational content based on Clemson Extension programs and resources. The episode was recorded live in the radio studio and later distributed online as a podcast for on-demand listening, expanding access beyond the live broadcast audience. Web streaming data indicate that more than 1,600 listeners engaged with the broadcast. Unable to edit the audio clip for time; please judge from 18:16 through 32:30.
https://spinitron.com/WOHM/pl/20950374/Get-Planting-with-Meeting-Green