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Join us for one or more classes this spring to learn how you can apply for and participate in the Montgomery County RainScapes Rebate Program. RainScapes practices such as pavement removal and conservation landscaping reduce stormwater runoff and support clean and healthy water.
In Spanish/En Español:
Soluciones Para Aguas Pluviales y Diseño Sostenible Para Jardines Domésticos
Sábado, 11 de abril, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Brookside Gardens, Wheaton
Aprenda cómo los entornos naturales de conservación y los jardines pluviales pueden ayudar a gestionar las aguas pluviales en propiedades residenciales. Explore estrategias para dimensionar proyectos, estimar plantas y crear planes de plantación eficaces. Descubra plantas autóctonas que reducen la escorrentía y favorecen a los polinizadores y la fauna silvestre. Descubra cómo optar al programa RainScapes Rewards Rebate y solicite árboles de sombra gratuitos a través de Tree Montgomery. Plantas autóctonas gratuitas disponibles para los participantes. Regístrese en Active Montgomery (Número de actividad PBG0230)
Evaluating Stormwater Solutions for Home Landscapes
Thursday, April 30, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Virtual (Zoom) | $15
Learn how environmentally friendly landscapes, such as conservation landscapes and rain gardens, can help manage stormwater issues on residential properties. We will cover steps to planning a RainScape including site evaluation and determining the type and scale of project that best suits your needs. Register for Evaluating Stormwater Solutions on Active Montgomery (Activity Number PBG0015)
Conservation Landscapes: Dig into the Most Versatile Stormwater Garden
Sunday, May 17, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Brookside Gardens, Wheaton | $25
Explore the benefits of Conservation Landscapes to manage your property's stormwater concerns. Learn strategies to properly size a garden project, estimate plant quantities, and create an effective planting plan. Study the range of native plants for managing water runoff and supporting pollinators and wildlife. Learn the steps to develop and submit a plan that qualifies for the RainScapes Rewards Rebate. Registrants will receive a selection of free native plants to take home. Classes are open to anyone regardless if applying for a RainScape rebate and attendance at the prior session on April 30th is not required. An optional brief garden tour will be included as part of the program. Register for Conservation Landscapes on Active Montgomery (Activity Number PBG0015)
If you need a reasonable accommodation or language interpreter at any of our workshops, please let us know at least 3 weeks prior to the workshop date. Email RainScapes@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov or call 311.
Now is the time to look for native plant sales if you are planning to install a RainScape yourself. Planted RainScapes require at least 75% native plants in order to be eligible for a rebate. Many Montgomery County nurseries offer native perennials, shrubs and trees. They may also be able to work with you to find native plants that they do not normally have in stock. However, some native plants are only available seasonally at special sales.
Visit our website to see upcoming native plant sales.
The first one of the season is coming up on March 28th!
Invasive plants are ones that are not native to our state and cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Recently, the Maryland Department of Agriculture updated its list of invasive plants that are prohibited and will be phased out from nursery sales. The list includes some common landscape plants such as Japanese Barberry, Burning Bush, and Nandina.
- Multi-family properties such as apartment buildings, condominiums, and HOAs are eligible for RainScapes, in addition to single-family homes. Learn how to apply
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If you need a landscape contractor to design and/or install a RainScape, you can check out our RainScapes Contractors List. We recently added several new companies!
- If you’ve completed a RainScape, don’t forget to apply for your Water Quality Protection Charge credit.
- RainScapes inspections are in process. Our Stormwater Inspection and Maintenance team conducts inspections of RainScapes every three years to make sure they are functioning well for stormwater management. If you have a RainScape that is due for a site visit, you will receive an email or a postcard in advance. Questions? Contact RainScapes@montgomerycountymd.gov.
- Got spring weeds popping up in your stormwater gardens? The University of Maryland Extension has a helpful picture guide for common spring weeds and how to manage them.
- Take an ecological approach to spring garden clean up. Your stormwater garden can also be a home to butterflies, beneficial insects, and birds. Leave old plant stems and leaves on site. Put up a sign to show off your thriving wildlife habitat!
Montgomery County’s Watershed Restoration Division is seeking motivated and environmentally passionate students for its Summer 2026 Internship Program!
This internship, running approximately between June 1 and August 31, offers hands-on experience in watershed management, stormwater programs, GIS mapping, and community outreach. Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to real-world projects that protect local streams, improve water quality, and support sustainable practices across the County.
Hourly rate: $18.15
Location: 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Eligibility: Open to current college or graduate students; Montgomery County residents preferred
Details about our 2026 Internship Program and how to apply
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April 25, 2026, 11 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Blackrock Center for the Arts, Germantown, MD | FREE
Montgomery County GreenFest is going big in 2026! To honor the 250th anniversary of Montgomery County, this year’s theme centers on legacy and collective action. We invite every resident to celebrate Montgomery County’s 250 years by committing to 250 actions that safeguard our environment and public health. Plan to join us at GreenFest!
Montgomery County is at a crossroads and needs your help. What's next for our county-provided trash services? We need your input. Please take our survey and be a part of the solution.
As we see the last (hopefully) wintery weather of the season, remember to be mindful about salt use for melting ice and snow. Salt is a major pollutant in water runoff that ends up in our streams and drinking water supply. A little goes a long way! Read winter salt management tips and report large salt spills to by calling 311.
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