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Michigan State University
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2026 Drainage School

March 3-5, 2026

667 N. Shaw Ln.
East Lansing, MI 48824
Eugene Eppley Center, Room N12

Michigan's 2026 Drainage Workshop will be held in East Lansing. This workshop is a collaboration between Michigan State University and Michigan Land Improvements Contractors of America.

NEW: See the All-New DrainTool in action – Gain profit, yield, income, and ROI insights from drainage design. 

For photos of last year's 2025 Drainage School, click here.

1 - Impact of workshop:
Attendees had this to say one year after the workshop:

  • "Become a better trusted advisor to my customers."
  • "We use tile contractors to do large tiling projects. The course has enabled me to be more involved in the planning process and to look at different options." 
  • “We do smaller tile projects and repairs. The course has enabled me to do a better job planning and getting those areas corrected."
  • "As a landowner, it gave me the tools to improve my existing drainage system."
  • "Provided a detailed, step-by-step process of the application of the products we sell. Helped me understand some of the issues contractors deal with that may play a pivotal role in the contractors' bottom line."


2 - Why should you attend the drainage school?

  • NEW: See the All-New DrainTool in action – gain insights into profit, yield, income, payback period, and ROI.
  • We offer a modern, user-friendly approach to drainage design using online tools and hands-on exercises.
  • Get practical solutions to real-world drainage challenges (e.g., main sizing when splitting laterals, submerged outlet issues).
  • Watch a live demonstration of drainage design software.
  • See a hands-on demo of proper pipe connections (photos available).

3 - What will you learn?

The drainage design process will cover basic design principles and a step-by-step procedure. Topics include: 

  • Soils and water movement
  • Surface drainage (shallow ditches, grassed waterways)
  • Subsurface drainage principles and economics
  • Pipe selection: 4-row vs. 8-row, sand-slot vs. knitted-sock
  • Creating contour maps with DrainTool
  • Step-by-step design procedure
  • Legal considerations in drainage
  • Using the DrainTool to maximize profit
  • Identifying drain sedimentation issues
  • Properly sizing the main collector pipe to avoid underperformance
  • Determining if upsizing the main is needed when splitting laterals
  • Installation tips and safety
  • Controlled drainage design
  • Conservation drainage benefits (e.g., blind inlets)
  • Live demonstration of drainage design software


4 - General Notes:
Instructors: University faculty and experienced contractors from Michigan Land Improvement Contractors of America (MLICA).

Provided Materials: Notepad, ruler, pens, mechanical pencil, and a desktop computer for each participant.

What to Bring: A calculator (or use the Calculator app on the provided computer).

Food: Continental breakfast and lunch buffet (meat and vegetarian options)

Parking: Free parking available at Parking Ramp 1/Lot 51. All pay-by-plate spaces are free during March 3–5, 2026. Do NOT park in permit-only spaces.

Class Location: Eugene C. Eppley Center, 667 N. Shaw Lane, Room N12, East Lansing, MI 48824. Click here to go to the class location.

Accommodation: Participants must arrange their own lodging

Registration:

  • Early Bird: $320 (by 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 22, 2026)
  • Regular Price: $400 (Feb. 23–26, 2026)
  • Deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 26, 2026
  • Limited to 20 participants – no on-site registration
  • Fee includes breakfast, lunch, and supplies (catered by local restaurants)

Cancellation Policy:

  • Full refund if canceled by Feb. 26, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)
  • No refund for cancellations on or after Feb. 27, 2026

Special Requests:
For disability accommodations, contact Ehsan Ghane at 517-353-4458 by Feb. 23, 2026 (5 p.m. ET)

Download Event Flyer
Participant Registration
Tentative Workshop Agenda

Participant registration for 2026 Drainage School is open.

Participant registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on February 26, 2026.

There are 18 openings available.

Participants Register Here
Sponsor Registration

Sponsor registration for Drainage School is open.

Sponsor registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 5, 2026.

Sponsors Register Here

Accommodations

Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.  

Contact Information

For questions, contact Ehsan Ghane at 517-353-4458 or ghane@msu.edu.