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Singing in the Rain: Embracing the Hybrid Method for Rain Garden Education

Extension Education

Mallory Maher
Natural Resources Extension Associate
Clemson Extension
Pendleton

Abstract

Rain gardens are a working landscape feature that receive stormwater runoff from impervious areas to work with nature to collect, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff, which allows them to manage erosion & moisture control issues, aid in water conservation, beautify the landscape, remove pollutants, and attract desirable wildlife. To be inclusive and meet the needs of all individuals, beginner to advanced, residential to professional, varied educational methods such as online learning modules, websites, factsheets, discussion boards, in-person hands-on workshops, and informative signage are utilized by Clemson Extension to address different learning styles and accessibility. The Clemson Extension Rain Garden Program aims to attract a diverse audience of individuals to use some or all of the online and in-person educational resources provided by Clemson Extension for them to be able to enhance an area that will be designed with soil and site conditions optimized, manage erosion, collect and infiltrate stormwater, and attract wildlife. The hybrid method of educating the public about rain gardens has attracted triple the number of participants compared to if this program was offered only in person. Since 2018, 358 people have participated in the Master Rain Gardener Program, 125 people have participated in conference workshops about rain gardens, and 127 people have participated in hands-on workshops about rain garden installation and maintenance. 100% of participants plan on implementing practices learned from the course in the future and felt the online course was a valuable use of their time. 95% of participants enjoyed the hybrid course format. 100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the Field Day provided them with hands-on experience that will help them with future rain garden installations.

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: Mallory Maher, Susan Lunt, Samantha Porzelt, Derrick Phinney, Sarah Waickowski, Amy Scaroni, Amy Warner, Rachel Greene
  1. Maher, M. Natural Resources Extension Associate , Clemson Extension, South Carolina, 29670
  2. Lunt, S. Carolina Clear Coordinator , Clemson Extension , South Carolina, 29670
  3. Porzelt, S. Water Resources Agent, Clemson Extension, South Carolina, 29401
  4. Phinney, D. Natural Resources Program Team Director, Clemson Extension, South Carolina, 29477
  5. Waickowski, S. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Clemson Extension, South Carolina, 29442
  6. Scaroni, A. Associate Professor and Wildlife Specialist, Clemson Extension, South Carolina, 29440
  7. Warner, A. Instructional Designer, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29670
  8. Greene, R. Graphic Designer, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29670