Penn State Extension

Free stormwater webinar series offered

Penn State Extension will offer a five-part webinar series in February and March focused on reducing stormwater around the home.

The Residential Stormwater Solutions series is aimed at anyone who owns, rents or manages residential property and anyone interested in learning more about small-scale stormwater best management practices.

The webinars are:

“Watershed Friendly Recommendations and Certification,” noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 25.

Participants will learn how resources from the Watershed-Friendly Property Certification and Stormwater Basics Series can assist residents in incorporating best practices for managing stormwater and protecting water resources on their property. The session will cover:

•Where stormwater originates on the property and where it flows.

•How stormwater pollutes local streams and rivers.

•Resources and assistance Penn State Extension offers to help residents manage stormwater.

•How to get Watershed-Friendly Certification for a property.

“The Power of Rain Gardens,” noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 27.

Rain gardens are a stormwater best management practice designed as shallow depressions that collect, absorb and filter stormwater. A rain garden must be designed and installed with careful consideration or more problems may arise. Presenters will discuss:

•How rain gardens work.

•Considerations when deciding where to locate a rain garden.

•Rain garden design, installation and maintenance tips.

•How to select the best native plants for a rain garden.

“Residential Rainwater Catchment Systems,” noon to 1 p.m. March 4.

Stormwater continues to cause increasing problems as communities urbanize and populations grow, organizers noted. Rainwater catchment systems are one tool homeowners can use to help mitigate stormwater issues on their property. This webinar will cover the uses, benefits and basic design of some of the most common residential catchment systems, including rain barrels, cisterns and downspout planters. The webinar will focus on:

•The benefits of capturing roof runoff in catchment systems.

•Examples of residential catchment systems.

•How to select the proper system for individual needs.

•Essential components of standard systems.

“Backyard Meadows: A Watershed-Friendly Landscaping Option,” noon to 1 p.m. March 6.

This session will explore the advantages and fundamental aspects of installing and maintaining a backyard meadow. Participants can learn to assess whether a meadow is a viable option for their property, regardless of its size. Instructors will discuss:

•How meadows can help manage stormwater and benefit wildlife.

•Factors to consider before converting a portion of lawn to meadow.

•Meadow plant options.

•Meadow installation and maintenance tips.

“Stormwater Friendly Lawn Care Strategies,” noon to 1 p.m. March 11.

This session will cover water-friendly strategies, such as downsizing a lawn, optimizing fertilizer use, effective mowing techniques, preventing soil compaction and managing pests effectively. Participants can learn:

•How to downsize a lawn without eliminating it completely.

•Why they should soil test before fertilizing.

•Grass fertilizing and mowing tips that benefit water quality.

•Water-friendly pest management techniques.

Penn State Extension offers this series at no charge, but participants must register by the event date to receive the link to access each webinar.

More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/residential-stormwater.