Master gardeners, members of conservation agencies and organizations, stormwater professionals, and landscape architects and consultants in Hancock County Illinois can learn landscape design and management practices that reduce pollution from runoff at a workshop hosted by Illinois University Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG). This two-part workshop will take place June 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. and on June 24 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Nauvoo City Hall.

Illinois Extension has partnered with Purdue stormwater specialists in Indiana to bring this program to rural Illinois counties. “Landscapes with rainscaping capture stormwater more effectively, which prevents polluted runoff from homes and communities from reaching our local lakes, streams, and rivers” said Kara Salazar, a sustainable communities Extension specialist with Purdue and IISG. “The Purdue Rainscaping Education Program will teach participants how to promote community awareness and education for these important practices.”

Over the course of two training sessions, participants will learn how to site, design, construct, and maintain a rain garden. Workshops include flipped classroom instruction through online training modules, and experimental actives.

Participants will also create a demonstration rain garden in a public space with community partners. A certificate of completion will be awarded to those who attend all sessions, plus the rain garden installation.

To register for the program, visit or call the Illinois Extension Hancock County office at 217-357-2150. This program is free but registration is required for ordering of program materials.

Learn more about the Rainscaping Education Program and other Purdue University and IISG sustainability programs.