Advanced Training Program Purpose and Information:
The Master Gardener Advanced Training: Rainwater Harvesting program is designed to provide advanced training and resources to Master Gardeners and certify them to be part of a state corps of rainwater harvesting volunteers and educators.
To become a certified Master Gardener Advanced Training: Rainwater Harvesting, Master Gardeners are required to attend the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Rainwater Harvesting training to fulfill training requirements and subsequently meet service requirements described below. This certification does not empower the individual with supervisory or administrative authority within her/his local county programs.
Landscape water conservation goals have created a new interest in rainwater harvesting for irrigation and other uses. This new interest provides a great opportunity to educate homeowners how to irrigate with harvested rainwater. In rural areas we can educate landowners how to use harvested rainwater to meet the water needs for livestock, wildlife, gardens, firefighting and greenhouses. In areas of natural low precipitation, rainwater harvesting can make the difference between having a vegetable garden or shade tree.
Master Gardener Advanced Training: Rainwater Harvesting will be comprised of high quality training including rainwater harvesting from 55-gallon rain barrels up to large home or commercial systems; how to hold a rain barrel class in your county; how to work with water utility providers, groundwater conservation districts, storm water departments and groups in your county, and provide the support you need to teach others.
Participation requirements:
To be eligible for the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Rainwater Harvesting, an individual must possess an up-to-date Master Gardener certification, or be an employee of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Master Gardener applicants must be approved by their local County Extension Agent.
Position Description and Service Requirements:
The Master Gardener Advanced Training: Rainwater Harvesting is charged to increase awareness, provide training in Compost and facilitate implementation of Rainwater Harvesting practices on a home/neighborhood/community level. A Master Gardener Advanced Training Rainwater Harvesting is required to serve a minimum of one year.
Service requirements include, but are not limited to:
• Attending the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Rainwater Harvesting training
• Volunteer 20 hours above and beyond their county’s current volunteer obligation.
• Increasing client awareness of rainwater harvesting through presentations, training, and mass media efforts (i.e. radio, newspaper, social media, television, and newsletters)
• Submitting a completed Rainwater Harvesting Advanced Training Volunteer Report Form as directed
• Optional: Submit TMGA reimbursement paperwork
Advanced Training recognition and certification:
Upon completion of the Master Gardener Advanced Training: Rainwater Harvesting service requirements, the Master Gardener will be awarded a Master Gardener Advanced Training certificate and lapel pin.
Resources Available to the Master Gardener: Rainwater Harvesting
• Rainwater Harvesting advanced training and networking with presenters
• Educational materials on Rainwater Harvesting
• Direct access to Texas A&M AgriLife County Extension Agent – Horticulture and AgriLife Program Specialist
