The RainScapes program offers low-cost trainings to residents of Montgomery County, MD who are interested in using their property to improve water quality and provide habitat for wildlife.  RainScapes, include rain barrels, rain gardens and conservation landscaping.

These are extremely popular, so don’t miss out!

Make and Take Rain Barrel Workshop

Workshop Dates and Times:

• Wednesday, April 25, 4pm – 7pm (Course #45548 This is the make-up date for the training that was cancelled due to snow)

How to Sign Up: Register at activemontgomery.org.

Where: Brookside Gardens, Visitors Center Adult Classroom

Fee: $13 for Friends of Brookside Gardens or $15 for non-members

About this Workshop: Gather and store water from your rooftop to help control the stormwater impact to your yard. Each participant will receive a rain barrel with fittings and simple instructions. Remember, you’ll need a vehicle large enough to fit a 55-gallon barrel!

Stormwater Solutions: Conservation Landscapes and Rain Gardens Workshop

Workshop Dates and Times:

• Wednesday, May 2, 4pm – 7pm (Course # 45543)
• Friday, May 4, 10am – 1pm (Course # 45544)

How to Sign Up: Register at activemontgomery.org.

Where: Brookside Gardens, Visitors Center Adult Classroom

Fee: $13 for Friends of Brookside Gardens or $15 for non-members

About this Workshop: It is possible to have a landscape that not only absorbs stormwater and uses native plants, but is also beautiful! The Department of Environmental Protection staff will show you how to evaluate your site, design and implement a conservation or rain garden landscape, and qualify to receive a RainScapes Reward rebate.

What is the RainScapes Program?

RainScapes is a program of Montgomery County, MD Department of Environmental Protection.

RainScapes promotes and implements projects which reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality on properties within Montgomery County, MD. The County offers technical and financial assistance (in the form of RainScapes Rewards Rebates) to encourage property owners to implement eligible RainScapes techniques on their property.

What Financial Incentives are Available?

The RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program offers rebates to property owners who install RainScapes techniques, such as those taught in these classes. This program is open to properties in Montgomery County outside the municipalities of Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Takoma Park. The RainScapes Program is funded by the County’s Water Quality Protection Charge.

Residential properties are eligible for up to $2,500 per parcel and commercial, HOAs, multi-family, or institutional property are eligible for up to $10,000 per parcel.  Visit the website, or better yet, take one of the above classes to learn more!