GMTRG Spring 2025 Orange County Program

The USS Growing More Than Rain Gardens Student Apprenticeship Program continued its impactful work this spring in Orange County, NC, engaging 44 students in hands-on environmental education and green infrastructure projects. Over the course of the afterschool program, students explored stormwater solutions, native plants, and watershed protection with the support of local educators and environmental professionals.

The program culminated in two meaningful workdays that brought classroom lessons to life through real-world application.

May 17th Workday: Cedar Rock Apartments The first of the two final workdays took place on May 17th at Cedar Rock Apartments, a cooperative community managed by the Weaver Community Housing Association. Students spent the day planting native species around a bioretention area and along a nearby stream bank. These efforts enhanced the site's ability to filter stormwater runoff, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for local wildlife.

May 24th Workday: Bolin Creek Co-op and Forest Court On May 24th, students returned to a previous USS project site: the Bolin Creek Co-op. Here, they worked in a grassy swale, planting native vegetation to improve stormwater infiltration. They also measured roof area to determine the proper sizing for a cistern that will eventually capture rainwater from nearby buildings.

Later that day, the students moved to a neighborhood rain garden at the Forest Court neighborhood in Carrboro. There, they continued their planting efforts, adding native species that will support pollinators and improve stormwater management. The day wrapped up with a visit to nearby Bolin Creek, where students flipped over stones to search for macroinvertebrates and assess water quality.

Congratulations to the 44 Orange County students who completed the USS Growing More Than Rain Gardens Student Apprenticeship Program! Your hard work and dedication are helping to create a more sustainable and vibrant future for your community.