|
Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | Français | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt
Spread the word to your clients! We're offering three classes this spring to help residents learn how to apply for and participate in the Montgomery County RainScapes Rebate Program. We’ll have classes in English and Spanish; residents can contact us at RainScapes@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov for support in another language.
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)
In 2025, the RainScapes program approved 128 projects totaling $527,977.62 in rebates to Montgomery County residents. Contractor-installed projects accounted for 89 of those installations (70%), demonstrating the important role local contractors play in helping residents implement stormwater solutions. Among contractor-installed projects, stormwater gardens were the most common practice, with 64 installations totaling $306,243.61 in rebates. Contractors also completed 19 permeable pavement retrofits ($117,790), 4 pavement removal projects ($14,172), and 2 water harvesting systems ($598).
DIY projects accounted for 39 installations (30%), highlighting continued homeowner interest in managing stormwater while working alongside the contractor community. The RainScapes program continues to partner with local contractors to expand the use of green infrastructure practices that reduce runoff, improve water quality, and enhance landscapes throughout Montgomery County.
-
Multi-family properties such as apartment buildings, condominiums, and HOAs are eligible for RainScapes, in addition to single-family homes. See program details
-
Our Stormwater Inspection and Maintenance (SWIM) team conducts inspections of RainScapes every three years to make sure they are functioning well for stormwater management. If resident has a RainScape due for a site visit, they will receive an email or a postcard from SWIM in advance of the visit.
-
Take an ecological approach to spring garden clean up. Whenever possible, leave old plant stems and leaves on site to support habitats for beneficial insects and other wildlife.
-
The University of Maryland Extension has a helpful picture guide to common spring weeds and how to manage them. The University's Ask Extension service is a free resource for getting answers to plant and pest management questions.
|
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
|
|
 |
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.
The Montgomery County Green Business Certification is a voluntary program that empowers businesses and organizations to reduce their environmental footprint while earning recognition for adopting sustainable practices.
Landscaping companies can certify within one or more of the following categories:
-
Garden Center
-
Installation
-
Design
-
Maintenance
-
Get recognized for innovative leadership
- Reach local consumers
- Join a supportive community
-
Save money and reduce your environmental impact
|
|
 |
|
