Long Island, New York property owners can help reduce stormwater runoff and nitrogen pollution in local waterways through the annual Garden Rewards Program. This initiative provides a financial reimbursement of up to $500 for implementing water saving projects in their yards, including rain gardens, native plantings, and rain barrels. Property owners in Suffolk and Nassau County are eligible to apply for reimbursement through NEIWPCC’s website beginning May 18.
The program, now in its fourth year, is a collaborative effort between NEIWPCC, the Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Long Island Sound Partnership (LIS Partnership), and first-time partner, the South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER).
“Long Island Garden Rewards encourages every homeowner to play a role in combating excess nitrogen pollution from stormwater runoff, which is one of the most serious environmental challenges our island faces,” stated John Cameron, LIRPC Chairman. “By participating in the program, Long Island residents can make a lasting impact on water quality and environmental health while beautifying their own properties.”
Excess nitrogen in the surface water from stormwater runoff can lead to low oxygen conditions, fish kills, harmful algal blooms, and degraded wetlands and marine habitats. Nitrogen also contaminates groundwater, which is the sole source of Long Island’s drinking water supply.
“NEIWPCC is pleased to collaborate with this growing partnership, and we applaud the public for their efforts to protect surface and groundwater quality on Long Island,” said Susan Sullivan, Executive Director for NEIWPCC.
Capturing rainwater and keeping it on a lawn through rain barrels and rain gardens, or by slowing down runoff with native plant gardens, reduces the amount of water flowing across a yard. These actions decrease the level of nitrogen pollution entering local waterways and help conserve water.
“The new Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan emphasizes the need for encouraging individuals to do their share to help ensure a healthy Long Island Sound,” said Robert Burg, NEIWPCC communications coordinator for the Long Island Sound Partnership. “Programs like the Garden Rewards Program that combine beautifying homes and neighborhoods with native plants, while conserving water and preventing polluted stormwater runoff are great ways to accomplish that objective.”
For more information about the Long Island Garden Rewards Program, eligibility, and how to apply, visit the project webpage.