This fall, Urban Sustainability Solutions continued its partnership with Northern High School through our Durham-based Growing More Than Rain Gardens program. Across two rotations, a total of 28 apprentices participated in Introduction to Rain Gardens and Advanced Rain Gardens courses.
During Rotation 1, apprentices worked with a local homeowner who already had a rain garden on the property but was interested in adding additional stormwater practices. The group conducted a site assessment by taking measurements, evaluating drainage patterns, staking a proposed rain garden layout, and digging infiltration test holes. Apprentices also received guidance on site from local contractor Frank Brown of CFB Contracting.
One of the most valuable lessons came from the infiltration testing process. While the proposed front-yard location initially appeared suitable, the soil failed to drain within 72 hours, making it an inappropriate location for a rain garden. Apprentices then tested an area in the backyard, which showed much better infiltration and highlighted the importance of field data in guiding design decisions.
In addition to evaluating new opportunities on the property, apprentices helped maintain the existing rain garden by cleaning up overgrown areas, replanting vegetation, and applying fresh mulch. Through this work, they gained hands-on experience not only in rain garden design but also in the ongoing maintenance needed to keep green infrastructure functioning effectively.
During Rotation 2, apprentices were divided between two project sites. The Advanced Rain Gardens cohort remained at Northern High School, where apprentices worked together to install a rain garden on campus. The project provided an opportunity to apply the design and installation techniques they had learned throughout the program while creating a stormwater practice that will help reduce runoff and improve drainage on school grounds.
Meanwhile, the Introduction to Rain Gardens cohort returned to a site that had been improved during our spring program. There, apprentices focused on the often-overlooked but critical task of stormwater practice maintenance. They removed weeds, refreshed mulch, and replanted portions of the berm to help ensure the rain garden remained healthy and functional. Through this work, apprentices learned that long-term success depends not only on good design and installation, but also on regular upkeep and stewardship.
