Rain Garden Rebate Program
2015: For Bridgewater, Raritan, and Somerville Residents
What is a rain garden and
why do I want one?
As the rain falls to the earth, some of
it evaporates, some is used by plants and some goes down into the soil as groundwater. The rest of the rain flows across the land
surface collecting pollutants and carrying them into rivers and reservoirs that
are the sources of our drinking water.
Rain Gardens are shallow depressions
planted with native plants that live well in wet areas. They are designed to collect water primarily
from roof tops, but also from driveways and patios. They look like regular flower gardens, but
when it rains, a rain garden will hold a few inches of water and allow it to slowly
seep in to the ground instead of running into storm drains, streams and
gullies. This can help prevent erosion
and allows the water to be filtered naturally.
Rain gardens also provide wildlife habitat and add beautiful flowers to
your yard and neighborhood.
Rain gardens are a perfect way to add beauty
to your landscape and make a difference in water quality for your community.
And
I can get some money back if I do this in my yard?
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) Water Resources Program
has partnered with the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA) Watershed
Protection Program to offer rebates to homeowners that build rain gardens.
Since 2013, more than 60 area residents have attended these workshops, and more
than 10 rain gardens were installed in 2014 through this rebate program.
The Rain Garden Rebate Program is being offered again for 2015!
This program is open to residents of Bridgewater, Raritan and
Somerville to learn the basics of rain garden installation and design a rain
garden for your home. At the workshop, attendees will be offered the
opportunity to sign up for free rain garden design sessions with Rutgers
landscape professionals. With detailed guidance in hand, rebates of up to
$450 may be awarded to participating residents who install a rain garden on
their property.
Your garden must be created from an approved design to qualify for
the rebate. So please join us at one of
these informative workshops!
Workshops will be held on Thursday, March 12, 6pm-8pm and
Saturday, March 14, 10am-12pm at the Duke Farms Coach Barn, Dukes Parkway East,
Hillsborough, NJ.
To register, contact Michelle at mrollman@raritanbasin.org or
908-730-0270 x223, or visit www.raritanbasin.org.
