The Columbia/Boone County Rain Garden Program’s Rain Garden Seminar successfully drew in more than 50 members of the community on July 31, 2009.  The seminar included guest speakers Christina Luebbert, a local stormwater engineer, Cindy Gilberg, from Shaw Nature Reserve, and Ann Wakeman, a local native plant professional.  The presentations covered stormwater issues, rain garden plants, rain garden design and installation.  Several representatives from local landscaping and design businesses attended the event along with a few state agency personnel.

The second half of the day was spent touring rain gardens in the Columbia area.  Brett O’Brien with Columbia Parks and Recreation gave a walking tour of the Stephens Lake Park gardens and a few points of interest along the way.  Retired science teacher, Glenn Picket, gave a tour of the Rock Bridge High School rain garden that was constructed by students and himself.  Ann Wakeman gave a tour of the rain garden and native plantings around the Methodist Center in eastern Columbia. 

All of the presenters did a wonderful job of sharing their knowledge and advise with the seminar attendees.  Food for the event was provided by all local growers and producers as part of our Regional Cuisines and Heritage Tourism Program and served by hardworking MRCN office staff.  Special thanks to all the presenters, tour guides, Billy, Andrew, Sarah, Pam, Lea, and Steve.