We last posted about our partnership with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District to offer the MSD Project Clear Rainscaping Small Grants Program. This program reimburses approved landowners up to $4,000 for installing rainscaping features on their property. Earlier this year, we entered our fifth round (2019-2020 Round), and we've continued to see the program grow, with about 100 projects slated to receive funding in the 2019-2020 round. About a quarter of the funded projects were completed this fall, while others await the spring installation season. We are excited about the continued growth of the program and the impact it has had on the environment.
Rainscaping is any combination of plantings, water features, catch basins, permeable pavement and other activities that manage stormwater as close as possible to where it falls, rather than moving it someplace else. In addition to rain gardens and bioswales, a diverse landscape that includes trees, shrubs, perennials, mulch and amended soils intercepts and disperse rain as it falls, and allows more water absorption into the soil and by plants. Generally speaking, we are trying to slow the rain down, spread it out, and finally, soak it up!
The MSD Project Clear Rainscaping Small Grants program is geared toward private residences, community organizations, schools, churches, and other landowners within the specified MSD Project Clear Rainscaping Program Area. Materials for the 2020-20121 round will be made available May 1, 2020 and will be accepted through August 1, 2020. Applicants must attend a Landowner Orientation Session, which will be held throughout the month of June 2020.
To learn more, or get on a list to receive updates regarding orientation registration and other key 2020-21 information, email rainscaping@mobot.org or call (314) 577 0202 with your name, address and contact information.
The Deer Creek Watershed Alliance has been facilitating a community-wide effort for over 10 years to protect and improve water quality in Deer Creek, with a focus on plant-based solutions. You can help by volunteering to assist with a rainscaping stewardship day, by installing rainscaping in your yard, or learning more about rainscaping.
To learn more about the Deer Creek Watershed Alliance, see maps of the watershed, and for programmatic updates, please visit: https://www.deercreekalliance.org/
Stay tuned for more Rainscaping updates and opportunities in 2020.
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Questions - email rainscaping@mobot.org or call (314) 577-0202