The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is offering financial assistance to property owners living in the Yellow Breeches and Conodoguinet watersheds in to install Conservation Landscapes and Rain Gardens on their properties.

Eligible areas within the watersheds include all of Cumberland County, as well as the certain municipalities in Adams County, Franklin County, and York County.

Landowners can apply online now for funding to install their projects in Spring 2017.

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is offering this assistance as part of its “Reduce Your Stormwater” program, which is generously funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Homeowners can apply by visiting the online Yard Design Tool to create a personalized Conservation Landscape or Rain Garden plan. Users answer a questionnaire about their property and choose one of five garden templates, such as a native meadow or a butterfly garden.

The tool then provides a list of materials, suggested plants, and DIY instructions specific to that property.

After submitting an application, homeowners will be contacted by an Alliance representative with next steps.

Cost-share recipients then visit a partnering nursery to pick up the plants and materials outlined in their personalized plans, with a maximum discount of 80 percent. Applicants can also apply for cost-share towards professional Rain Garden installation.

Stormwater runoff is created when rain falls on roads, driveways, parking lots, rooftops and other paved surfaces that don’t allow water to soak into the ground. Slowing runoff reduces sediment, chemicals, animal waste and more from making its way to our rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. 

Both Conservation Landscapes and Rain Gardens help control stormwater runoff.

Conservation Landscapes are landscaped areas that use native plants adapted to the region. These plants attract wildlife and typically require less watering, pesticides, and fertilizer than non-native species, which helps protect our air and water supplies.

Rain Gardens also use native plants, but require more excavation to focus on capturing rainwater and helping it absorb slowly into the ground.

For more information, visit the Alliance’s Reduce Your Stormwater website.

More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events on the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Alliance, Like the Alliance on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, add them to your Circle on Google+ and visit the Alliance’s YouTube Channel.

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10/17/2016