Rooting for Runoff: Storing and Treating Home Stormwater Using Rain Gardens

Runoff isn't just a problem for the "wet side" of the state; it can cause water quality issues in drier areas too, carrying sediment and pollutants from urban places into streams, ponds, rivers, and wetlands. But with the right design, storage containers, and plants, rain gardens can be used to slow infiltration and reduce runoff by harvesting and treating rainwater and snowmelt before releasing them. Following the presentation, you'll be able to assess your site, select a layout and plants, plan the installation process, and obtain technical assistance to refine these plans.

Presenter: Derek Godwin has worked for OSU's Extension Service since 1994. He is a professor and statewide Watershed Management faculty who specializes in education and research related to minimizing impacts of urban and agriculture land use practices on surface water quality. He works with watershed councils, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, land managers, and policy makers to use a holistic watershed approach to address ecosystem concerns while maintaining economic stability. Derek earned a master’s in Bioresource Engineering at Oregon State University and a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management and Wildlife at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).