Landscape Irrigation Trainings in Georgia Urban Centers in 2019

Summary

Educating the landscapers, as they are dealing with the water usage in the daily basis is critical as the industry grows. An educational program targeting workers in the landscape and nursery industries and municipalities was created. The training focused on installation and maintenance of irrigation systems as well as landscape watering principles. The Georgia Water Stewardship Act and its implications for water use (including irrigations) were discussed at length. Over 100 landscape, nursery and municipal workers were trained, most of the trainees (91%) considered the training on Urban Water Irrigation was very useful and 83% said they learned something new at this training and also 84% would recommend the training to others.

Situation

The green industry is thriving in Georgia, providing employment wealth and opportunity. In addition, Municipalities pride themselves on attractive landscape and parks. As the industry and metropolitan areas grow, water resources are stretched. Educating the landscapers, as they are dealing with the water usage in the daily basis is critical as the industry grows. It is estimated that as much as 50 percent of the residential outdoor water used is wasted through evaporation, wind, or runoff, due in part to improper irrigation system design, installation, and maintenance.

Response

We created an educational program targeting workers in the landscape and nursery industries and municipalities. The training focused on installation and maintenance of irrigation systems as well as landscape watering principles. The Georgia Water Stewardship Act and its implications for water use (including irrigations) were discussed at length. Four trainings were held, one in each of the four Extension Districts in cities across Georgia (Lawrenceville, Savannah, Valdosta and Augusta) to assure easy access by industry workers. All events were sponsored by suppliers (Hunter Industries, Ewing Irrigation, Rain Bird, Urban Ag Council and Georgia Green Industry Association). These sponsors not only provided lunch; they also demonstrated cutting edge irrigation technology available. Hosting agents and sponsors help advertise the trainings.

Impact

Over 100 landscape, nursery and municipal workers were trained, with about 55% of trainees from private companies and 45% from municipalities. Most of the trainees (91%) considered the training very useful and 83% said they learned something new at this training. The training was effective and 84% said they would recommend it to others. Some of the quotes from attendees are: “I really had no idea of the water Stewardship Act”

Details

• Year: 2020
• Geographic Scope: Multi-County
• County: Gwinnett
• Location: College Station, Athens
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources