Become a Master Rain Gardener
Early bird registration deadline: Apply by February 2nd!
Apply now to Become a Master Rain Gardener
Winter 2020 Course Details:
Time: 9 a.m. to Noon
Dates: Five Saturdays, Feb. 15, 22, 29 & March 7, 14
Location: Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center
15100 Hubbard
Livonia, MI 48154
Cost: $119 ($350 value; $20 scholarship rate available)
$175 for applications received after February 2nd
Subsidized rates applicable for residents of the 48 Rouge communities, Washtenaw County, or other MRG funding partners
Requirements: Participants must attend all five classes and plant or adopt a rain garden to earn their Master Rain Gardener certificate, garden sign, and t-shirt (yes, there are t-shirts!).
Questions: contact Matthew Bertrand
Self-Paced Option
Take the self-paced version of the course, or simply watch the video recordings online. If you build a rain garden on your own after watching the recordings, contact us about getting your certification
Watch Online!
Not available on weekends? Check out Washtenaw County’s offerings of the Master Rain Gardener course, typically held on weekday mornings in-person or online over the lunch hour.
TESTIMONIALS
I love this class! Every gardener should take it for background knowledge. The class is so well organized with visuals and field trips! Meeting more than my expectations.
I like everything about this class: the way it is taught, field trips, individual help, resources. Matthew and Ian are so knowledgeable.
About the Master Rain Gardener program
The Master Rain Gardener Training Program began in Washtenaw County in 2010, developed by Susan Bryan, Harry Sheehan, and Shannan Gibb-Randall. Since that time, hundreds of gardeners have earned certification as a Master Rain Gardener and built beautiful rain gardens! Rain Gardens filter and cool stormwater so that our streams and rivers run clean. It is a nonpoint solution for nonpoint source pollution. During class, you will…
- Design your own rain garden step-by-step
- Receive friendly encouragement each step of the way from course instructors, past graduates, and fellow students
- Become your neighborhood’s expert on rain gardens!
Course Instructors
Matthew Bertrand, ASLA
Restoration Coordinator | Landscape Designer
Matthew has designed and installed over 60 rain gardens. He earned a Master’s in Landscape Architecture at the University of Michigan. Matthew worked previously for MSU Extension and the Grand Traverse Conservation District helping people get more out of their gardens.
Cynthia Ross
River Restoration Program Manager
Cyndi leads Friends of the Rouge’s Rain Gardens to the Rescue program in partnership with the Sierra Club, as well as Rouge Rescue, which engages thousands of people every year to clean and steward the river. Cyndi has installed 70+ rain gardens and mentored over 80 homeowners planting rain gardens.
This project has been funded in part through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The contents of the document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the EPA or the DEQ, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
