Layne provides science-based outreach and communication on Green Stormwater Infrastructure, native plants, and resilient landscape design. He develops digital and print stormwater outreach materials, serves as the Assistant Director of the Red Oak Rain Garden, instructs modules of the Rainscaping Education Program, and helps facilitate and coordinate the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.

Layne holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. He is certified through the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program and is an Illinois Master Gardener, currently serving as Chair of the Macoupin County chapter. Before joining Illinois Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Layne was a UIUC Research Assistant in the Department of Landscape Architecture and a Landscape Design Contractor for Curry & Associates Engineers.