HomeMy Public PortalAboutmsd-proj_clear_WEB-HandbookSMALL GRANTS PROGRAM LANDOWNER HANDBOOK
METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
GET TO KNOW YOUR SEWER SYSTEM…
…AND WHY IT MATTERS!
The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) maintains nearly 10,000 miles of sewer system and serves approximately 1.3 million
people. Its seven wastewater treatment plants clean an average of 350 million gallons of wastewater per day. When MSD was formed
in 1954, only 5 percent of the population had wastewater treatment, which meant about 95 percent of raw sewage went directly into
rivers, creeks, and streams.
Although MSD doesn’t own creeks or streams, it plays an important role in monitoring and protecting the health of local waterways
and their vital ecosystems from pollution and improper industrial waste disposal. Thanks to the wastewater treatment MSD provides,
sewage entering waterways is a rare occurrence today, but can sometimes still happen due to the age and design of the sewer system
MSD inherited in this historic city. In fact, some of the sewers still in use today predate the Civil War! The older areas of St. Louis were
built on a Combined Sewer System, meaning both stormwater and sewage are carried together in the same pipe. During heavy rains,
the system can exceed its capacity, causing basement backups for residents and Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) into waterways.
MSD Project Clear is investing billions of dollars over a generation in environmental initiatives to improve and further protect the
water quality in our creeks, streams, and rivers. Formed as part of an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency and
Missouri Coalition for the Environment, MSD Project Clear is building system improvements, rainscaping, and performing aggressive
maintenance and repair on the system to improve water quality and lessen wastewater concerns in the St. Louis region. The task is
huge — equivalent to constructing 11 Busch Stadiums!
MSD Project Clear is also investing $140 million in green infrastructure initiatives, with the primary goal of further reducing CSOs into
the Mississippi River and River des Peres. This investment includes the Rainscaping Large Scale Grants and Small Grants programs.
To learn more about the Rainscaping Large Scale Grants and Small Grants programs, visit www.MSDProjectClear.org/Rainscaping.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Rainscaping Benefits .......................................................................................................................................................2
Before You Begin Your Rainscaping Small Grants Project .....................................................3
Program Requirements ...................................................................................................................................................4
Planning & Submitting Your Rainscaping Project ..........................................................................5
Application Review Process ...................................................................................................................................10
Completing Your Project & Final Application Steps ...................................................................11
Rainscaping Maintenance Tips ............................................................................................................................12
Process Timeline & Checklist ................................................................................................................................14
Landowner Application ...............................................................................................................................................15
www.MSDProjectClear.org/smallgrants
www.mobot.org/rainscaping
Email: Rainscaping@mobot.org
Phone: 314.577.0202
MSD Project Clear | 1
Reduce Water Problems – Rainscaping gives stormwater runoff a beneficial and safe place to go,
helping to keep water away from your foundation where problems can occur. It can also help reduce
or eliminate water ponding on your property. Since rainscaping reduces the amount of stormwater
entering the sewer system, it can help prevent basement backups and sewer overflows.
Lower Maintenance – Native plants are more tolerant of the climate, soil, and water conditions in
our region, which is why they are recommended for rainscaping. Native plants require little or no
additional irrigation once plantings are established. In fact, native gardens are more likely than
other gardens to survive droughts. Periodic weeding, mulching, and pruning are all the maintenance
they need. Because you don’t need to fertilize or spray them, they make your yard a healthier place
for your children and pets as well.
Beautify Your Property – Rainscaping can provide interesting planting opportunities and is an
attractive and creative alternative to traditional lawn landscapes.
Support Biodiversity – Not only are rainscaping features such as rain gardens pleasing to look at,
they are also an ideal habitat for birds, butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife. Have fun spotting
the colorful species that call your rainscaping “home.”
Reduce Mosquitoes – In a properly designed rain garden, water will soak into the ground within
a day or two, long before mosquitoes have the opportunity to breed. Rain gardens can be designed
to attract the kinds of insects and wildlife that feed off mosquitoes, reducing their numbers around
your property. Rainscaping can also help eliminate yard ponding, so water won’t pool long enough
for mosquitoes to multiply.
Improve Water Quality for Everyone – Your rainscaping project is a solution to stormwater
pollution. Polluted stormwater that enters waterways untreated can hurt both water quality and the
wildlife that inhabit them. Because rainscaping reclaims stormwater where it falls, runoff is naturally
filtered from contaminants and chemicals that might otherwise reach our creeks and streams. By
limiting the amount of stormwater entering the sewer system, rainscaping helps reduce Combined
Sewer Overflows. Excessive runoff can also erode banks and increase downstream flooding.
RAINSCAPING BENEFITS
2 | Rainscaping Small Grants Program Landowner Handbook
CAREFULLY REVIEW THE FOLLOWING PAGES!
Read this handbook thoroughly, as it will help you completely understand the requirements and
answer common questions – increasing your chances of receiving funding.
This handbook describes the typical process for grant applicants and grantees. Please note that the
program has been designed to allow flexibility in options and timing, so your experience may differ
slightly. MSD Project Clear and the Missouri Botanical Garden work together to assist landowners
with their projects and applications. This is a competitive process and not everyone that submits a
proposal will receive funding.
Please note that the Small Grant Application Form is included at the end of this handbook.
This must be filled out completely and signed by the landowner.
Expanded Grant Program Area
The Rainscaping Small Grants Program has now expanded to include MSD’s entire Service Area!
That includes the original Mississippi River CSO program area, the River des Peres CSO program
area added in 2019, and the Stormwater Quality program area in 2021.
Grant Quantity is Limited
Each year until further notice, the program will award Rainscaping Small Grants to a maximum of 55
projects within the Mississippi River CSO area, up to 35 projects within the River des Peres CSO
area, and 45 in the Stormwater Quality program area. These numbers are subject to change in
subsequent years.
Grant Amount
Applicants in the Mississippi and River des Peres CSO program areas can be reimbursed up to
$4,000 for installing rainscaping features on their properties, if approved. Applicants in the remaining
Stormwater Quality Program Area can be reimbursed up to $3,000 for installing rainscaping features
on their properties, if approved.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR RAINSCAPING
SMALL GRANTS PROJECT
MSD Project Clear | 3
Rainscaping Small Grants Program administrators can approve reasonable
exceptions to written policies on a case-by-case basis. Administrators also have
the right to deny any project or application that does not meet project guidelines.
ELIGIBILITY
The project site must be located within the Rainscaping Grants Program Area
(see below, or visit www.TinyURL.com/RainscapingInteractiveMap for interactive map).
Eligible entities include homes, schools, religious organizations, non-profit businesses and other institutional properties.
All applicants are required to complete an orientation. You may either view all the instructional videos on
www.MSDProjectClear.org/RainscapingSmall-Grants and complete the survey or attend a live orientation session.
GRANT AMOUNTS AND PROJECT SIZE MINIMUMS
Grant amounts and project size minimums vary based on what type of entity is applying for the grant. Green roof projects
have no size minimum. All other projects must include at least a combined 100 square feet of eligible feature(s) for
residential and 500 square feet for institutional. Multiple strategies may be combined to get the minimum square feet (i.e.
40 square feet of rain garden + 60 square feet of lawn alternative = 100 square feet). For rainwater harvesting (such as rain
barrels), one gallon = one square foot. Re-landscaping of existing landscaped areas is not allowed.
RESIDENTIAL APPLICANT:
• Residential applicants can apply for up to $4,000 (Mississippi
River and River des Peres CSO Program Areas) or $3,000
(Stormwater Quality Program Area) for installing rainscaping
features on their property with a minimum of 100 square feed of
eligible feature (s), if approved.
INSTITUTIONAL APPLICANT (SUCH AS SCHOOLS, RELIGIOUS
ORGANIZATIONS, AND OTHER NOT-FOR-PROFITS):
• Institutional applicants can apply for up to $10,000 (Mississippi
River and River des Peres CSO Program Areas) or $7,000
(Stormwater Water Quality Program Area) for installing
rainscaping features on theirproperty with a minimum of 500
square feed of eligible feature (s), if approved. NOTE: Multifamily
properties will no longer be eligible for institutional awards and
should see the above residential guidelines until further notice.
SMALL COMMERCIAL AND OTHER BUSINESSES APPLICANT:
• You may apply for up to $4,000 under the same criteria as residential applicants.
• If you have a large rainscaping project in mind, consider the Rainscaping Large Scale Grants Program at
www.msdprojectclear.org/large-grants.
NUMBER OF GRANTS
One grant is permitted per address and per landowner. No additional grants will be awarded for addresses or landowners
that have received grants in previous years.
§¨¦170§¨¦270
§¨¦44 §¨¦55§¨¦255
§¨¦70
§¨¦64
¶
Legend
GI Boundary
Mississippi River Rainscaping Small Grants Program
River Des Peres Rainscaping Small Grants Program
Expanded Small Grants Program
St. Louis County
St. Louis City
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Rainscaping Grants Program Area
4 | Rainscaping Small Grants Program Landowner Handbook
STEP 1. UNDERSTANDING REIMBURSEMENT
The MSD Project Clear Rainscaping Small Grants Program is a reimbursement program. MSD Project Clear will reimburse
approved projects up to the applicant’s approved award. All aspects of the project must meet eligibility requirements to be
considered for approval. Projects larger than the respective Program Area’s maximum award level ($4,000, $3,000, $10,000 or
$7,000) maybe submitted - however anything over respective maximum will be the applicant’ s responsibility.Decorative boulders
or other aesthetic aspects that are deemed non-functional to the rainscaping feature will be capped at a 10 percent aesthetic cost
maximum reimbursement.
Note: No work may begin until your project is approved and has received Notice to Proceed. Exceptions to this rule include
professional design and consultation fees as well as some limited site preparation, such as solarizing your turf. Any questions
about what work can take place before approval should be directed to rainscaping@mobot.org or 314-577-0202.
If selected for a grant, reimbursement will only be issued for costs that were approved in your application and costs that can be
verified at the end of the project with a receipt. When you complete your project, you must include paid receipts with photos
of the finished project and your Completion Packet ( which will be given to you when you receive your award notification) for
reimbursement. Add- on expenses not included in your application are not eligible for reimbursement. Maintenance costs are the
responsibility of the landowner and are not reimbursable.
After quality control/ ground truthing work, reimbursement up to the approved grant amount will be dispensed within 14 weeks.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to pay any contracted workers in a timely manner, based on your agreement with the
contractor.
ADVANCED PAYMENT OPTION
MSD Project Clear wants to make it as easy as possible for you to participate. Therefore, MSD Project Clear can make an
advanced payment for up to half of the grant amount. If you are approved for a Rainscaping Small Grants project, you will receive
an email asking you to confirm your Advance Payment preference.
STEP 2. DETERMINE WHO WILL BE DOING THE WORK
Landowners can act as their own contractor. However, using trained professionals to assist with design and installation is another
option. Applicants are welcome to use a combination of their own work and a contractor’s to complete the project.
Design and installation fees can be submitted as reimbursable costs. Maintenance costs are the responsibility of the landowner.
Any contractor will be allowed to have their design and installation fees eligible for reimbursement until further notice. We
highly advise ensuring that you have your contractor review all program documentation and instructional videos if they have
not participated in previous years. Installations that are not in line with an approved design (ie. a Rain Garden installed without
the required 4” - 8” basin) will not be reimbursed until it is correctly installed. It is the landowner’s responsibility to ensure the
contractor they have selected is fit to install projects in accordance with the program standards.
USING A CONTRACTOR
All contractors are independent businesses and therefore will charge you for their involvement.
Prior to making agreements with a contractor, be sure to discuss terms, particularly involving payment. Grant payments are
reimbursements, generally arriving after the project is fully completed and evaluated – well after contractors require payment for
their completed work. Contractors are not obligated to wait for you to receive grant funds before being paid. You are responsible
for your relationship with your contractor, your agreements with them, and paying them in a timely manner.
IF YOU ARE DOING THE WORK YOURSELF
If no contractor is involved, receipts for all materials and equipment purchased or rented for the project can be submitted for
reimbursement. Your labor and design, as well the work of any friend or volunteer, is not reimbursable.
Remember to keep all receipts, and copies of receipts, throughout the process!
PLANNING & SUBMITTING YOUR RAINSCAPING PROJECT
MSD Project Clear | 5
6 | Rainscaping Small Grants Program Landowner Handbook
STEP 3. REVIEW ELIGIBLE FEATURES
To design your rainscaping project, you’ll need to review the eligible features, which reflect
strategies and measures that retain stormwater on the site to reduce stormwater runoff. Features
must replace lawn grass, bare ground, invasive species, or pavement. Re-landscaping a currently
landscaped area is not permitted. Municipal ordinances and/ or MSD requirements must be
followed where applicable. It is the applicant’ s responsibility to know and adhere to their Municipal
and local ordinances.
Projects must include at least a combined 100 square feet of eligible feature( s). For rainwater
harvesting, each gallon will be considered the equivalent of one square foot. Green roof projects have
no size limit. Helpful rainscaping resources including descriptions for rainscaping features can be
found at www.mobot. org/ rainscaping.
ELIGIBLE LANDSCAPING FEATURES
NATIVE SOIL RAIN GARDEN A percolation test must be conducted prior to rain garden installation, with minimum test results of 0.25 inches per
hour see instructions at www.mobot.org/perc). An appropriately installed rain garden includes plants with robust root
structures, mulch, optional soil amendments, a way to collect water (at least 4 inches), a way for water to flow into the
rain garden (such as a down spout or bioswale), and consideration for how and where water will flow out of the rain
garden overflow spillway”). No sand or “ Rain Garden Mix” may be used in a native soil rain garden. Rain gardens must be
a minimum of 10 feet from a building or foundation.
ENGINEERED BIORETENTION
RAIN GARDEN
In bioretention rain gardens, existing soil is removed and replaced with high sand content “ Rain Garden Mix” and usually
includes an underdrain. MSD bioretention design specifications must be followed, and an over-the- counter MSD permit is
required. Landowners should contact MSD’s Engineer of the Day at 314- 768- 2705 prior to submittal. Rain gardens must
be a minimum of 10 feet from a building or foundation.
LAWN ALTERNATIVES Lawn alternatives include trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover. These should replace existing turf grass and can be
installed instead of a rain garden where a percolation test shows poor drainage. Lawn alternatives must include plants
with robust root structures, approved soil amendments, and mulching.
BIOSWALES A bioswale slows down the speed of water, uses plants to increase absorption of water into the soil. Bioswales must guide
water to another rainscaping feature.
WOODLAND RESTORATION Woodland restoration projects must include both invasive species removal and appropriate tree and groundcover
replacements. There also must be an existing woodland present. An invasive species list can be found at
www.mobot.org/rainscaping.
SOIL AMENDMENTS Soil amendments are considered eligible features only when paired with another plant- based eligible feature on this
list. Do not double count the square footage of soil amendments added to another feature. Mulches are spread on top
of the soil after plants are installed. Approved mulches are shredded bark, shredded hardwood bark, wood chips (not
recommended for rain gardens), shredded leaves, or compost. Gravel or stone may be substituted for organic mulch where
water flows rapidly into or out of rain gardens or bioswales. Soil amendments sometimes include material turned into soil
such as silt loam topsoil, well- aged compost, calcined clay, expanded gypsum or shale, and/or mycorrhizal inoculants.
Soil aeration is another option. Sandy loam topsoil, sand, and “Rain Garden Mix” are NOT eligible soil amendments.
ROCK WEIRS Rock weirs are considered eligible features only when paired with another eligible feature on this list, such as a bioswale
or other rainscaping feature. Rock weirs are used to slow down the velocity of water on a hillside.
COMPOST FILTER SOCKS Compost filter socks are considered eligible features only when paired with another eligible feature on this list. Compost
filter socks may be used to slow down water on a hillside. They can also be: seeded or planted; stacked to form a living
wall; backfilled with soil and plantings to form mini-terraces on hillsides; used as a rain garden berm; or employed in
sensitive areas (such as a woodland) instead of a raingarden, where digging might damage tree roots.
PLANNING & SUBMITTING YOUR RAINSCAPING PROJECT (CONTINUED)
6 | Rainscaping Small Grants Program Landowner Handbook
ELIGIBLE RAINWATER HARVESTING FEATURESRainwater harvesting captures rainwater and stores it for reuse. Maintenance plan must include
details on how water will be used. Rainwater harvesting can occur through the use of:
RAIN BARRELS Larger rain barrels are preferred over small barrels, but all sizes are accepted.
CISTERNS Care should be taken to design and install cisterns appropriately.
OTHER ELIGIBLE FEATURES
GREEN ROOFS Green roofs have no minimum size requirements. A statement sealed by a Professional Engineer that the structure is
capable of handling the weight of the green roof is required.
PERMEABLE PAVERS Permeable pavers allow rain water to permeate through the gaps and gravel spaces into a gravel layer underneath the
soil, reducing the runoff from a walkway, driveway, patio, or other surface. To be eligible, the permeable pavement must
replace non-permeable pavement or existing turf and have a minimum rock base of 8 inches under the paver. Information
must be provided about the base strategy and layers beneath the pavers. A percolation test is required for this strategy. A
profile (“ side view”) design showing the depth and size of the respective layers is also required.
ADDITIONAL STRATEGIES The MSD Project Clear Rainscaping Small Grants Program is willing to evaluate alternative rainscaping features that are
not already covered within this list of eligible measures, provided they include best management practices for reducing
stormwater runoff that are proven and tested to be reliable.
INELIGIBLE FEATURES
RE- LANDSCAPING OF EXISTING
FEATURES
Re- landscaping of existing landscaped areas is not allowed. Features must replace lawn grass, bare ground, invasive
species, or pavement.
LAWN CARE Lawn care actions such as aeration are ineligible, except as described under soil amendments.
ANNUAL PLANTS AND
VEGETABLES
Annual plants, including vegetable gardens, are ineligible. Perennial edible plants, especially natives, are eligible.
COMPOST BINS/ PILES Although amendment with compost is encouraged within rainscaping features, the compost bins themselves do not retain
rainwater and are therefore ineligible.
RETAINING WALLS Retaining walls are ineligible unless built for the sole purpose of creating an eligible feature.
AESTHETIC ROCK AND
BOULDER COSTS
If retaining walls, large boulders, or other decorative features that are deemed non- functional to the rainscaping feature
are included, we will enforce a 10 percent aesthetic limit to the award. The remaining aesthetic cost must be
paid by the landowner.
MSD Project Clear | 7
8 | Rainscaping Small Grants Program Landowner Handbook
STEP 4. DRAW YOUR DESIGN
You can download grid paper and review a sample design drawing at www.mobot.org/rainscaping.
Simple designs (using grid paper found on page 21) and complex designs (computer generated) are
both accepted.
Drawings must:
Indicate project scale. For example, a quarter-inch grid paper square can equal two feet by
two feet.
Show existing utility lines and buildings. Include neighboring buildings if they are within 10
feet of your property.
Indicate positions of trees and vegetation.
Show the location, shape, and dimensions of the rainscaping feature(s) you intend to install.
Indicate square footage of each feature (write in next to each feature).
Show location(s) of rainwater harvesting feature(s) and the size of each, if included.
If rain gardens or permeable pavers are included, label percolation test location(s) and
result(s) in relation to proposed location, as well as planned rain garden ponding depth and
basin.
Show slope by drawing arrows that point downhill.
Label exact locations where individual plants will be installed and how many of each species
will be planted. Include names.
Show and label yard-bordering streets.
PLANNING & SUBMITTING YOUR RAINSCAPING PROJECT (CONTINUED)
8 | Rainscaping Small Grants Program Landowner Handbook
STEP 5. CREATE A PLANT LIST
If you are planning a plant-based feature, create a plant list that includes:
Plant species
Container size
Number of plants
Planting densities
Plant material source
Soil amendments
Use plant palette recommendations found at www.mobot.org/rainscpaing or defend alternative
options. Native plants are preferred but not required. The higher percentage of native plants, the
higher your application will score. It is recommended to use at least 70% native plants for your
application to be competitive. A mulch layer 2 inches deep is recommended where appropriate to
inhibit weed growth, prevent soil loss, and retain moisture.
NOTE: There is space for the above information in the application under Itemized Budget.
STEP 6. AGREE TO THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Maintenance of rainscaping features is necessary to keep them beautiful and functioning.
Applicants must sign the Maintenance Schedule Agreement, included in the application.
You must agree to maintain the design feature for a minimum of five years, including watering
plants during the establishment phase, weeding, pruning, annual mulching, and plant replacement
as needed. Maintenance costs are the responsibility of the landowner and are not reimbursable.
Maintenance informational support will be available up to one year after your planting period.
Support may include workshops to train landowners on basic maintenance concepts, site visits to
advise on specific maintenance actions, and support through the rainscaping hotline (314-577-0202)
and email (rainscaping@mobot.org).
See page 12 for some helpful maintenance tips.
STEP 7. SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
On the back of this handbook is an Application Checklist. Use it to make sure all the required
elements to your application are included. Double Check that you have included everything as only
complete applications will be evaluated.
If you have any questions prior to submitting your application, feel free to contact our rainscaping
hotline at 314-577-0202 or rainscaping@mobot. org.
Only physical applications will be accepted. We cannot accept emailed applications. Submit by mail
or hand-deliver to the below address:
MSD Project Clear Rainscaping Small Grants
c/o Missouri Botanical Garden - Sustainability Division
EarthWays Center - CBEC West
4651 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110
MSD Project Clear | 9
APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS
SCORING
Once you submit your Small Grant Application, it will be competitively scored to determine the
projects chosen for funding. Only completed applications with appropriately designed projects that
meet the primary goal of retaining stormwater on the site will be considered.
Funds are limited, and there is no guarantee that every application will be accepted. Priority
consideration will be given to projects that:
• Manage a large amount of stormwater
• Are cost effective
• Show a clear, well thought-out design
• Propose a high percentage of native plants
• Are available for outreach
AWARD NOTIFICATION
Once applications have been evaluated, you will receive an Award Notification email. It will
let you know if your project has been approved for funding, has been waitlisted, or if it will
not receive funding.
If Approved, your email will include:
• A Project Agreement Form, and Advance Payment Request, which must be signed and returned
in order to receive Notice to Proceed.
• Your Notice to Proceed email will contain a Project Completion Packet to submit when your
project is finished.
If Not Approved, you may request detailed feedback on how to improve your application. If you
agreed to any up-front fees with your contractor, you are responsible for those charges. We hope you
will apply again in subsequent years. In order to increase your chances of receiving grant funding, be
sure you are detailed and thorough in your application process, meet all requirements and timelines,
and utilize the help and resources provided to applicants by MSD Project Clear and the Missouri
Botanical Garden.
10 | Rainscaping Small Grants Program Landowner Handbook
COMPLETING YOUR PROJECT AND FINAL STEPS
ADVANCE PAYMENT
Allow 8 weeks to receive your Advance Payment. Advance Payments can only be processed during
the planting season so if your project is approved in the winter, you will not receive advance
payment until spring.
INSTALLATION
Do not move forward with installation of your project prior to receiving the Notice to Proceed from
the Rainscaping Team.
FINAL PAPERWORK
As soon as your project is complete, submit your Project Completion Packet – along with supporting
receipts and documentation. This step must be completed to receive reimbursement!
FINAL REVIEW
Your Project Completion Packet will undergo a final review to ensure all information is included.|
For most projects, a site visit will be planned for quality control and ground truthing work to confirm
proper installation of the features and to collect final data. Please allow six weeks for this step to be
completed. All projects completed for family members or employees of the installing contractor( s)
will be flagged for full, on- site quality control and ground truthing inspections. The projects not
visited will go through a desk review.
PROJECT REIMBURSEMENT
A reminder: It can take up to 14 weeks to receive reimbursement, so be sure to pay your contractors
on time. Projects may be highlighted in case studies on the website to further promote rainscaping.
We LOVE pictures of projects before, during, and after! So take lots of photos while your rainscaping features take shape!
MSD Project Clear | 11
RAINSCAPING MAINTENANCE TIPS
For answers to frequently asked questions and helpful online resources,
visit http://msdprojectclear.org/small-grants.
DO:
• Water newly established plants as needed for six months after they are planted, even in winter.
• Water during drought conditions.
• Weed beds at least once per month in the spring, summer, and fall.
• Apply a 1-3” layer of mulch annually. Mulch is not only aesthetically pleasing but also reduces up
to 70 percent of summer maintenance work.
• Use organic compost when fertilizer is needed. Please note that native plants do not often need
fertilizer. A basic soil test can help you determine the right course of action.
• Check periodically to be sure the rain garden is draining and there is not an impenetrable “crust”
on the surface.
• Cut plants back in early spring when new growth commences.
• Regularly remove any dead and/or unsightly plant parts.
• Pinch, prune, shear, or dead-head plants during the growing season to encourage more flowering,
a bushier plant, or a fresh set of leaves.
DON’T:
• Use pesticides.
• Use inorganic fertilizer.
• Remove dormant plant parts until early spring.
• Apply more than a 3” layer of mulch.
ANNUAL SCHEDULE
MAINTENANCE WEEKLY MONTHLY ANNUALLY
Jan.-Dec.Water recently established plants or during a drought X
Feb.-Aug.Trim or prune plants as needed X
March Cut down and remove dead leaves, stems and seed heads from perennials and grasses X
March-May Plant/replant if needed X
March-Nov. Weed every 3-4 weeks. Remove invasive species.X
March-Nov.Replace mulch where needed X
Sept.-Oct.Plant/replant if needed X
Sept.-Oct. Check pH/soil fertility if plants show signs of nutrient deficiency X
Sept.-Dec.Leaf removal as needed X
12 | Rainscaping Small Grants Program Landowner Handbook
MSD Project Clear | 13
PROCESS TIMELINE & CHECKLIST
CURRENTLY NO DEADLINE
Will accept applications on a rolling basis - until further notice.
GRANT EVALULATIONS
Applicants should expect a two month turn around for notifications. NOTE: do not install project
until receiving a notice to proceed from the Rainscaping Team.
PLANTING TIME - SPRING & FALL
Projects installed in the fall must submit Completion Packets by mid-October in order to ensure
that quality assurance can take place before winter.. There will not be a spring deadline completion
packet deadline, however, landowners should avoid the heat of summer for installation, to avoid
challenges with plant establishment.
QUALITY CONTROL/GROUND TRUTHING/COMPLETION FORMS PROCESSED
Within 6 Weeks of Receipt of Project Completion Forms.
REIMBURSEMENTS DISPERSED TO LANDOWNERS
Within 14 Week of Receipt of Project Completion Forms.
GRANT PROCESS CHECKLIST
Use this checklist to help you keep track of the Rainscaping Small Grants Application Process!
Thoroughly read through the Small Grants Handbook and Application materials
Complete orientation requirement by watching instructional videos and filling out survey
or by attending a live orientation session
Create a designated space to save receipts and project paperwork for reimbursement
Talk to contractors about project (if using a contractor)
Design plan
Complete and submit Small Grants Application Form
Receive Award Notification email
My project was accepted!
Complete and submit Project Agreement Form
Complete and submit Advanced Payment Request Form (optional)
Receive Notice to Proceed email
Project installation
Submit Project Completion Packet and supporting documents
Quality control/ground truthing performed
Receive grant payment
Ongoing, post-project maintenance
14 | Rainscaping Small Grants Program Landowner Handbook