By Scout Nelson
As communities increasingly adopt nature-based approaches to stormwater management, understanding the vegetation that supports these systems has become increasingly important. To address this need, the University of Minnesota Extension Water Resources Center developed specialized training to help stormwater professionals identify and manage plants in treatment systems more effectively.
Stormwater infrastructure, including detention basins, rain gardens, culverts, and drainage networks, plays a key role in reducing flooding and improving water quality during heavy rainfall. Vegetation is a critical component of these systems because it helps slow runoff, filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and support ecosystem health.
Accurate plant identification is essential for maintaining the effectiveness of stormwater treatment areas. As Gregg Thompson explains, “Plant identification is critical to our work in managing stormwater treatment basins to ensure they’re functioning as intended. For example, we have to verify invasive species that we need to control — and know how to control them most effectively.”
To bridge knowledge gaps in the industry, Jessy Carlson, an educator with the University of Minnesota Extension Water Resources Center, launched a one-day course titled Vegetation Identification and Maintenance Techniques for Stormwater Treatment Practices. The program was designed for maintenance staff, utility professionals, and water quality technicians who may have limited training in plant science but are increasingly responsible for managing vegetated stormwater features.
Carlson recognized that many existing plant identification programs are geared toward experienced botanists rather than infrastructure and maintenance professionals. “There is plenty of plant identification training for plant nerds, but if you work with pipes and utilities, that may not work for you. Traditionally, managing plants is not what most stormwater maintenance technicians have been trained to do.”
The course combines classroom learning with practical field experiences. Participants learn to distinguish beneficial native plants from invasive species through side-by-side comparisons and hands-on observation of plants commonly found in stormwater systems.
Training also focuses on the effective use of smartphone-based plant identification tools. While these apps can be valuable resources, participants are taught how to verify results and avoid mistakes that could lead to poor management decisions.
Field exercises allow attendees to apply their knowledge in real-world environments. By examining both native and invasive vegetation, participants gain a better understanding of how plants influence water infiltration, pollutant removal, and the overall performance of stormwater systems.
Misidentifying vegetation can create costly challenges. Native plants adapted to wet conditions often improve water quality and system efficiency, yet they are sometimes mistaken for invasive species and removed unnecessarily, reducing the effectiveness of stormwater infrastructure.
Beyond their environmental benefits, plants can also serve as indicators of system conditions. According to Thompson, “If we can’t identify these plants we could miss what they are telling us. Plants can indicate slow draw-down times, poor water quality, compacted soil conditions, and more.”
The training program has received positive feedback from participants, many of whom reported plans to apply their new knowledge in their daily work. Building on this success, Carlson aims to expand access through an online course that will provide year-round learning opportunities.
The initiative highlights the leadership of the University of Minnesota Extension Water Resources Center in advancing stormwater management education. By equipping professionals with practical plant identification skills, the organization is helping improve the long-term performance and sustainability of vegetated stormwater systems.
Photo Credit: pexels-ron-lach
Categories: Minnesota, General