Post Oak + AgriLife Program Descriptions
Rainwater Harvesting 101
Are you interested in learning about sustainable water practices that not only benefit the environment but also help you save money on your water bills? Look no further! We’ve teamed up with Texas Water Resources Institute and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and are excited to introduce our Rainwater Harvesting 101 Class, designed to provide you with comprehensive insights into the practice of collecting, storing, and utilizing rainwater to its fullest potential.
At Post Oak Savannah GCD, we understand the vital importance of responsible water use, especially in the context of our Texan climate. Our Rainwater Harvesting 101 Class is a prime opportunity for you to become a steward of water conservation, all while gaining practical skills that can make a positive impact on your community and environment.
Class Overview –
- Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting:
- Understand the importance of rainwater harvesting in water conservation efforts.
- Learn about the various applications of harvested rainwater, from landscaping to household use.
- System Components and Design:
- Explore the key components of a rainwater harvesting system, including catchment areas, gutters, filters, and storage tanks.
- Gain insights into designing a system that meets your specific needs and the local climate.
- Installation and Maintenance:
- Discover the step-by-step process of installing a rainwater harvesting system.
- Learn about routine maintenance tasks to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your system.
- Water Quality and Treatment:
- Understand how to maintain the quality of collected rainwater through filtration and treatment techniques.
- Address common concerns and misconceptions regarding the safety of harvested rainwater.
- Environmental and Economic Benefits:
- Explore the positive environmental impact of rainwater harvesting on local ecosystems and groundwater levels.
- Discover how implementing rainwater harvesting can lead to significant savings on water bills.
- Hands-On Activities:
- Engage in interactive activities that provide practical experience in designing and setting up a rainwater harvesting system.
- Participate in group discussions to share ideas and troubleshoot common challenges.
By the end of this class, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to embark on your rainwater harvesting journey, contributing to a more sustainable future for our community. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from experts in the field and connect with other harvesters.
Rainwater Harvesting 201: Irrigation
Our “Rainwater Harvesting 201: Irrigation” class is designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to make every drop of water count.
Course Overview –
- Assessing Your Irrigation Needs:
- Learn to ask the right questions: What needs to be irrigated? How much water is required?
- Calculate storage capacity to supplement rainfall for your specific needs, considering peak water usage.
- Explore plant types, growing seasons, site micro-climates, and square footage to determine water requirements.
- Master the art of converting inches to gallons for precise irrigation calculations with practical scenarios.
- Selecting the Right Irrigation Products:
- Discover various irrigation products and their typical application rates per hour.
- Understand the typical run times for different irrigation products.
- Determine the necessary pressure and flow rates for your irrigation system using a comprehensive reference table.
- Explore the need for a pump and how to calculate the required pressure based on static pressure and elevation head.
- Pump Selection and Operation:
- Explore different pump options, including submersible, surface, and piston pumps.
- Learn to read a pump curve and calculate the required flow rate to meet irrigation needs.
- Calculate Total Dynamic Head (TDH) to select the right pump and piping size.
- Understand the impact of pipe size and distance on operating pressure with a comparison of schedule 40 PVC and class 200 PVC.
- Pressure Tanks and Other Components:
- Determine the need for a pressure tank and how to size it appropriately.
- Identify other essential components for your irrigation system.
- Maximizing Water Efficiency:
• Explore strategies to make every drop of water count and reduce waste.
Join us for this comprehensive class where you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to design and manage an efficient irrigation system tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re a homeowner, gardener, or professional landscaper, this course will empower you to conserve water while nurturing your plants and landscapes effectively. Make the most of your irrigation system – enroll today and embark on a journey to become a water-efficient irrigation expert!
EarthKind Landscapes
- Transform Your Landscape with Earth-Kind Landscaping!
Are you ready to revolutionize your outdoor space and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future? Join our Earth-Kind Landscaping program to embark on a journey that will not only beautify your surroundings but also make a positive impact on the environment.
Class Overview –
Introduction to EarthKind Landscaping
In this comprehensive class, we will begin with a brief history of the Earth-Kind Landscaping program, its mission, and the wealth of tools and materials available to you, including our user-friendly website, the EarthKind Plant Selector, and other planning tools.
Discover the four fundamental goals of Earth-Kind and the background behind each one:
- Conservation of Water: Learn how to minimize water usage while keeping your landscape lush and vibrant.
- Reduction of Chemical and Fertilizer Use: Find out how to maintain a thriving garden with fewer chemicals.
- Energy Conservation: Explore strategies to make your garden energy-efficient.
- Reduction of Waste Entering the Landfill: Discover innovative ways to reduce waste through responsible gardening practices.
Realizing Goals through Seven Principles
Uncover the power of Earth-Kind as we delve into the seven guiding principles:
- Planning and Design: Craft a landscape that’s both functional and beautiful.
- Proper Spacing: Learn the art of placing plants for maximum impact.
- Plant Diversity: Embrace the beauty and benefits of a diverse plant selection.
- Innovative Resource Conservation: Explore rain gardens, pergolas, and more for sustainable landscaping.
- Soil Analysis and Preparation: Master the art of soil improvement for thriving plants.
- Efficient Turf Areas: Optimize your lawn for both beauty and water conservation.
- Appropriate Plant Selection: Discover the wonders of drought-tolerant and native plants.
Efficient Irrigation and Rainwater Harvesting
Save water and enhance plant health with efficient irrigation techniques. We’ll cover:
- Sprinkler vs. Drip Irrigation: Choose the best method for your landscape.
- Monitoring Soil Moisture: Learn to assess watering needs effectively.
- Mulch Magic: Uncover the benefits of mulch and proper application techniques.
- Appropriate Maintenance: Focus on timely maintenance activities to further your goals.
This class equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to create a stunning, eco-friendly landscape that conserves resources and reduces your environmental footprint. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, Earth-Kind Landscaping will empower you to make a positive change. Join us now to start the transformation of your outdoor space!