The Peconic Estuary Partnership is now accepting applications for $500 grants for homeowners in the Peconic Estuary watershed to remove turf and pavement and add alternatives to benefit the environment such as rain gardens and native plant gardens.
PEP’s Homeowner Rewards Program is designed to encourage homeowners to make a positive impact on the local estuary and its bays by preventing fertilizer pollution from entering local waters. PEP asks homeowners to take the Reduce Nitrogen Pledge and consider how they can lessen fertilizer use by following the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan nitrogen fertilizer recommendations.
To qualify for a grant, the minimum size of a proposed native plant garden or rain garden is 50 square feet. Pavement or turf may be replaced with native plants only. The maximum rebate per garden installation is $500 for native plants; receipts must be provided. PEP provides a native plant database to take out the guesswork.
PEP will reimburse up to $100 per rain barrel, at a minimum size of 50 gallons each. Mosquito netting must be included over the barrels.
Funds are limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit peconicestuary.org/what-you-can-do/homeowner-rewards-program to apply.
Staff Writer on Apr 15, 2025