Rain Garden

The Watershed Stewards Academy (WSA) uses a train-the-trainer approach to instruct and manage a diverse group of Steward volunteer. The goal of the program is to develop Stewards conversant in watershed issues, who provide localized community outreach and assist with the implementation of best management practices focused on stormwater and improving local water quality.The Watershed Stewards Academy Curriculum is a 13-module curriculum, comprised of numerous lessons and activities, that provides participants the basic tools and information for those interested in stormwater management. Each module is approximately 2-3 hours long. This may vary based on local program goals and objectives. Authors: Kelsey Brooks, Eric Buehl, Jennifer Dindinger, Amanda Rockler, and Jackie Takacs; Key Contributors: Nicole Basenback, Suzanne Etgen, Kate McClure, Taryn Sudol, and Krisztian Varsa; Title: Watershed Stewards Academy Curriculum (EC-2020-0518)

This fact sheet describes an innovative rainwater harvesting system used to irrigate produce at the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs's garden in Frederick, Maryland. The rainwater harvesting system has diverted stormwater, increased food security, and improved well-being in the community. Authors: Mayhah Suri and Dr.Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein; Title: Watering Seeds of Change with Rainwater (FS-1123)

Impervious surfaces* such as roofs, increase runoff by preventing rain water from being absorbed into the ground. In precipitation events, stormwater runs over impervious surfaces and picks up pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorous, suspended sediments, organic chemicals, heavy metals, and oil which are washed directly into our storm systems and local waterways.