MURPHYSBORO, Ill.— Understanding how rain gardens function as well as how to design, install and maintain rain gardens will be the focus of an upcoming Introduction to Rain Gardens Workshop, hosted by the Greater Egypt Regional Planning & Development Commission and University of Illinois Extension. This workshop will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be held at the Jackson County Extension office, 402 Ava Rd., Murphysboro, IL 62966.

Rain gardens are an effective way to capture excess rainfall, thereby improving downstream water quality and recharging groundwater. They absorb more water than lawns while providing habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Come learn how to choose the proper site for a rain garden, what plants to use, and how to maintain the planting. Indoor educational sessions will be followed by an outdoor hands-on rain garden installation. Participants are invited to bring garden tools and gloves, and to dress for gardening.

Registration is $25 per person, and includes lunch, a rain garden manual, and other educational materials. Space is limited to the first 25 registrants. Please register online at https://go.illinois.edu/raingarden2019.

Funding for this project provided, in part, by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency through Section 604(b) of the Clean Water Act.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact 618-687-1727. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.

News Source: Austin Little, 618-687-1727, little84@illinois.edu