The Clean Waters Partnership’s upcoming workshop, “Green Infrastructure in Landscaping,” will focus on landscaping options promoting the use of native plant species, including species which are especially important to pollinators. Photo provided by The Watershed Foundation.

News Release

WARSAW — The Watershed Foundation, in collaboration with the Clean Waters Partnership, has announced an upcoming workshop tailored for landscapers, facility managers and anyone involved in landscaping decisions.

“The Green Infrastructure in Landscaping” workshop will be held 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion, 119 E. Canal St., Warsaw. The workshop will delve into innovative, green landscaping techniques, which are transforming the way they manage stormwater.

“Traditionally, stormwater management, primarily focused on swiftly channeling water away from built-up areas, often employing pipes as a solution,” said Caitlin Yoder, watershed coordinator for The Watershed Foundation. “However, this approach led to unintended consequences such as erosion, downstream flooding, reduced filtration into groundwater sources and heightened water pollution. The realization that there is a more sustainable approach has given rise to green infrastructure, a method that mimics the natural water cycle by slowing down, storing and filtering stormwater flows right where it falls.”

The workshop will feature Vanessa Rainwater as the keynote speaker. With over a decade of experience in both the public and private sectors, Rainwater has dedicated her career to implementing innovative stormwater, water quality and green infrastructure programs. Attendees can expect valuable insights into the best practices for managing water in landscape design.

In addition to Rainwater, the event will host speakers including Lyn Crighton, The Watershed Foundation; Brandon Cordell, city of Warsaw Stormwater Utility; Aaron Ott, city of Warsaw; Matt Sandy, Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission; and Aleah Southworth, Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District. These experts will be part of an open panel discussion to answer questions on how to effectively install and maintain these plant-based solutions.

Whether you’re involved in designing and installing landscaping for individual homes or large corporate properties, this workshop is tailored for you.

It will explore popular forms of green infrastructure and offer practical insights to ensure their successful integration into landscape designs. The event is free to attend and participants can choose between in-person or online attendance options.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about cutting-edge green landscaping techniques and contribute to a more sustainable future,” adds Yoder.

For more information about the workshop, contact Yoder at [email protected]. To register, visit tinyurl.com/CWPGreenInfrastructure. For questions, call (574) 834-3242.