RAIN BARREL TRAIN THE TRAINER: PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP THROUGH RAINWATER HARVESTING
Extension Education
Michele Bakacs
County Agent II/ Associate Professor
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
North Brunswick
Abstract
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Build a Rain Barrel Program started in July, 2009 and since then fourteen workshops had been conducted with over 200 participants. In addition to learning about rain barrel use and care, participants learn about simple best management practices they can adopt to help protect local water resources. Requests for rain barrel programs have been made by gardening clubs, boy scout and girl scout troops, local schools, art organizations, and 4-H clubs. In order to fulfill the need for rain barrel education a ‘Train the Trainer’ program was developed to teach volunteers, environmental organizations and commissions how to develop their own rain barrel programs. A pilot Train the Trainer was conducted on October 14, 2009 with 22 Master Gardeners from five New Jersey counties. The goal is to train participants to assist in the following different rain barrel activities: County Build A Rain Barrel workshops; conduct rain barrel presentations to community groups; table events with rain barrel materials and display; and conduct construction demonstrations and installations. Participants received a packet which included a cd with materials and resources they would need to assist their communities with rain barrel activities including a PowerPoint presentation with speaking notes for each slide. Since the training, 8 events have been scheduled for winter and spring of 2010 that will be conducted by Rain Barrel Trainers. A second Train the Trainer is scheduled for March, 2010. Follow up surveys to trainees will be presented documenting the impact of the program.
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. Bakacs*, C. Obropta
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Bakacs*, M. Environmental and Resource Management Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08902
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Obropta, C. Associate Extension Specialist, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program, New Jersey, 08901