Topic outline

  • Design of Rain Gardens for Bio-Retention

    Credits: 3 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Rain gardens are shallow, constructed depressions that are planted with deep-rooted native plants and grasses. While rain water has been collected in gardens since ancient times, the concept of the residential rain garden is a recent idea. Conversion of land into impermeable surfaces creates new challenges for storm water runoff.

    This course provides an explanation of how rain gardens work and their eco-friendly benefits. Course participants will learn to calculate catchment zones, design for various soil types, and calculate slope adjustments. This course provides economical options to the otherwise costly stormwater challenges.

    The course provides information for design and construction including: FAQs, sizing and siting locations, landscaping, plant selection, catchment zones, slope calculations, designs for various soil types, construction, settling, and cost calculations.

    Topics:

    • Introduction to Rain Gardens
    • What Are Rain Gardens and How They Work
    • Pollution Removal
    • Chemical Reactions, Plant Uptake and Settling
    • Designing a Rain Garden
    • Where Should the Rain Garden Go
    • Determining the Catchment
    • Sizing a Rain Garden
    • Selecting Construction Materials
    • Landscaping and Appropriate Plants
    • Costs Considerations

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for Civil, Environmental, Water Resources, and other engineers whose job description may require a basic knowledge of bioretention applications and design procedures.
    Publication Source: NC Cooperative Extension

    Allen Hughes, PE

    • Topic 1