Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater Harvesting Joins

Earth Kind…
Outcome Plans focusing on rainwater harvesting for landscape wa-
ter conservation can now be submitted using the Earth Kind Model
Outcome Plan. Complete the Overview as previously described and
then use the following information to develop related tasks.

Volunteer Training:
Master Gardener: Rainwater Harvesting Specialist training

The Rainwater Harvesting Specialist training consists of 16 hours

of classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations. The course
is open to Master Gardeners seeking greater knowledge on the
topic of rainwater harvesting. Participants gain a certification fol-
lowing completion of service hours. Course materials provide a
background on water resources, watershed protection, rainwater
harvesting methods, rainwater supply estimation, harvesting system
components, construction methods, operational requirements and
maintenance.

Volunteer Training:
Master Gardener Rainwater Harvesting training event

A Master Gardener: Rainwater Harvesting training event consists of 6 to 8 hours of classroom instruction and
hands-on demonstrations for local/regional Master Gardeners. This training activity increases the knowledge
of local volunteers in the area of rainwater harvesting. The course is typically taught by local/regional Master
Gardener: Rainwater Harvesting Specialists. The course materials are locally selected and drawn from the train-
ing resources gained at the Rainwater Harvesting Specialist training event which includes: background on water
resources, watershed protection, rainwater harvesting methods, rainwater supply estimation, harvesting system
components, construction methods, operational requirements and maintenance. Participants do not receive certifi-
cation through this course.

Group Meeting:
Rainwater Harvesting presentation

Group educational methods are delivered through a

variety of venues. Civic clubs, homeowners associa-
tions, municipal water conservation departments,
master gardener clubs, river authorities, and ground-
water districts host meetings to share information with
their members or constituents. These presentations
can be provided by an agent or a master gardener
rainwater harvesting specialist. Rainwater harvesting
presentations are available through the Earth Kind
Curriculum materials resource site.

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Group Meeting:
Rainwater Harvesting Conference or Seminar

A rainwater harvesting seminar or conference provides in-

depth information on a specific aspect of rainwater harvest-
ing. These custom training events are implemented at the
local level to meet specific needs. Typically, the topics are
selected to provide in-depth knowledge on specific rainwater
harvesting methods. The length of the events range from
a couple hours to multiple days based on the audience and
information covered.

Group Meeting:
Educational tour
Touring a rainwater harvesting demonstration is an effective means of conveying information to clientele. A pre-
sentation describing the rainwater harvesting methods during the tour can meet learning objectives. An educa-
tional tour coupled with a seminar or conference can increase the effectiveness of a training event.

Result Demonstration:
Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration

Rainwater harvesting demonstrations provide a visual learning teaching method. Rain barrels, tank based rain-
water harvesting, rain gardens, bioswales, bog garden, soil storage and infiltration systems, and wildlife water
supplies are examples of rainwater harvesting methods. All of these methods can be demonstrated in appropriate
locations. These demonstrations can be strategically located at appropriate locations to effectively demonstrate
rainwater harvesting.

Professional Development:
Participation in meetings and educational seminars

Professional development is critical to gaining information and provides a means to respond to clientele ques-
tions. Rainwater harvesting professional opportunities focus on increasing your subject matter expertise. The
rainwater harvesting on-line training module provides introductory knowledge of rainwater harvesting. The master
gardener rainwater harvesting specialist training, rainwater seminars and rainwater conferences provide greater
knowledge on rainwater harvesting methods.

For more information visit the Rainwater Harvesting Web Site:

http://rainwaterharvesting.tamu.edu