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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN YOUR BACKYARD: AN EXTENSION EDUCATION INITIATIVE FOR NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK AND VIRGINIA

Extension Education

Madeline Flahive DiNardo
COUNTY AGENT
WESTFIELD

Abstract

\r\n    As watershed areas in rural/suburbanizing Gloucester County, NJ, Ulster County, NY and Frederick County, VA experience new development, the adoption of stormwater management practices on public and private land is essential to protect and recharge groundwater resources.  Stormwater Management in Your Backyard is a USDA NIFA National Water Program project that empowers local stakeholders, including Master Gardeners and professional landscapers, to design, install and maintain rain gardens on public, commercial and residential properties.  The project has two objectives: to provide landscape professionals with training so that they can offer rain garden installation services; and to teach Master Gardeners and community volunteers how to install and maintain demonstration rain gardens so they can share their knowledge with the community.  Professional landscapers, Master Gardeners and community volunteers have installed 13 community demonstration gardens as a part of their training.  Pre-Post Surveys were used to evaluate the training programs.  The survey results show an increase in knowledge about rain garden design, installation and plant selection.  An extension bulletin listing landscape professionals who completed the training was published to assist the landscapers with promoting rain garden services.  Curriculum materials were developed for Master Gardeners and other volunteer organizations to use to promote the use of rain gardens.  Master Gardeners have used the materials to deliver 29 rain garden education programs in their communities. 

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: M. Flahive DiNardo, B. Benham, A. Boyajian, M. Cummings, D. Crawford, L. Hoffman, J. Lawrence, C. Obropta, T. Rusinek, G. Rusciano, B. Pearson, J. Thompson
  1. Flahive DiNardo, M. County Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, New Jersey, 07090
  2. Benham, B. Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech Coopertive Extension, Virginia, 24061
  3. Boyajian, A. Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program, New Jersey, 08901
  4. Cummings, M. Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County, New Jersey, 08312
  5. Crawford, D. Program Coordinator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County, New York, 12401
  6. Hoffman, L. Master Gardener, Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension Frederick County, Virginia, 22601
  7. Lawrence, J. Consultant, Opequon Watershed Association, Virginia, 22601
  8. Obropta, C. Extension Specialist, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08901
  9. Rusinek, T. Horticulture Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County, New York, 12401
  10. Rusciano, G. Former Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08901
  11. Pearson, B. Program Associate, Rutgters Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program, New Jersey, 08901
  12. Thompson, J. Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program, New Jersey, 08901