Nitrogen is the leading cause of water quality deterioration on Long Island. Excess nitrogen can cause toxic algal blooms that lead to low oxygen conditions, fish kills, degraded wetlands, and marine habitats. Nitrogen also contaminates the groundwater which is the sole source of Long Island’s drinking water.
You can help make a difference!
Rain barrels, rain gardens, and native plant gardens all work to reduce the amount of rainwater flowing across your yard, which will reduce the amount of nitrogen going to the water. Capturing water and keeping it on your lawn with rain barrels and rain gardens, or by slowing down water runoff with native plant gardens, can all help you conserve water!
Learn more about the impacts of nitrogen on the waters of Long Island
This program offers reimbursement of up to $500 for making your yard more water friendly! See below for details about eligible projects.
A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff. Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water for your use while also reducing runoff from stormwater.
This program requires the placement and maintenance of a rain barrel for a minimum of 3 years on your property.
Proper rain barrel maintenance includes dumping the water or turning the rain barrel upside down before winter to prevent freezing. Mosquito netting is required, but can be any type of screen that would deter mosquitos. The minimum size is 50 gallons.
What this program covers – cost of rain barrel and mosquito netting/screens up to $125 per barrel with a total cap of $500.
What this program does not cover – cost of installation and stands.
Rain gardens collect rainwater from roofs, driveways, or streets and allow that rain to soak into the ground.
This program covers necessary materials to construct a rain garden including mulch, gravel, soil amendments, and native Long Island plants. When built properly, rain gardens can filter stormwater before it reaches local waterways, mitigate flooding caused by pavement, and enhance your yard with a low maintenance landscaping.
This program requires the use of native plants in a rain garden that is at least 20 square feet in size. This rain garden needs to be maintained for a minimum of 3 years.
What this program covers – up to $500 for the purchase of native plants and necessary materials to construct a rain garden. Native plants are those listed as part of the New York Flora Atlas for Nassau and Suffolk County. If you have any questions about whether a plant you want to include in your garden is eligible, contact Courtney Botelho (cbotelho@neiwpcc.org).
What this program does not cover – non-native plants, biennials, or annuals. This program will not reimburse for equipment needed to install the rain garden (e.g., shovels, wheelbarrows, etc.)
Resources for how to properly construct a rain garden are listed below.
Image credit: Cornell Cooperative Extension-Ulster County
How Do I Build a Rain Garden? – YouTube
Native_Plants_for_Long_Island_Rain_Gardens.pdf
Buy local! Here are some local vendors that sell native plants.
Native plant gardens don’t necessarily collect runoff, but still, they promote healthy ecosystems. Native gardens can reduce water usage, reduce fertilizer and pesticide usage, and promote biodiversity. These native plants help promote a healthy ecosystem and are more resistant to local weather.
This program requires the use of native plants on your property. Native gardens and plants must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years.
This program covers-up to $500 for the purchase of native plants. Native plants are those listed as part of the New York Flora Atlas for Nassau and Suffolk Counties. If you have any questions about whether a plant you want to include in your garden is eligible, contact Courtney Botelho (cbotelho@neiwpcc.org).
What this program does not cover: Non-native plants, biennials, or annuals.
Native Garden Resources:
NYFA: New York Flora Atlas (usf.edu)
Buy local! Here are some local vendors that sell native plants.
Check out the Peconic Estuary Program’s Interactive Yard Tool to learn more about how to build a better yard!
Learn about plants that are invasive to Long Island – Nuisance & Invasive Species – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
LINAP fertilizer recommendations – https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/linapfertilizer.pdf
Take the Nitrogen Pledge – https://lirpc.org/our-work/long-island-nitrogen-action-plan/nitrogen-pledge/
If you’d like to sign up for the LINAP newsletter to stay informed on the latest LINAP initiatives and nitrogen reduction efforts across Long Island, visit our webpage or click here.
Reimbursement form for the Long Island Garden Rewards Program
