Every year, the staff at East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) provide FREE naturescaping and rain garden classes across Portland. From the EMSWCD website:

Perfect for all levels of do-it-yourselfers, our FREE workshops highlight landscaping with native plants, water conservation, creative stormwater solutions and chemical-free gardening techniques that are good for people, water and wildlife. Most include a field trip to a neighborhood project or garden to see these principals in action.

This Spring Environmental Services is hosting one more of these workshops—Rain Gardens 101—in areas where private property stormwater facilities would be most helpful to current sewer rehabilitation projects. The Rain Gardens 101 class will take place on Saturday, May 30th. If you're interested, see the details below and register now!

Rain Gardens 101

Date: Saturday, May 30th  9:00am-1:00pm

Location: Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 NE 40th Ave, Portland, 97212

Learn how to build your own rain garden! We’ll explore the critical role rain gardens can play in urban stream restoration, and how they add beautiful landscaping to your yard at the same time.

You will learn how to assess your site to determine the best location and size, calculate impervious surfaces, determine soil suitability, choose appropriate plants, and how to maintain your new rain garden. You will also receive a comprehensive manual that guides you through all the steps in constructing your rain garden. Where possible, workshop includes a short tour of a nearby rain garden.

RSVP for this event!