How to Get the Smart Watersheds Rebates

What you get

Reimburses single-family homeowners for materials to install stormwater practices: up to $500 for a rain garden, up to $400 for native landscaping, up to $400 for soil-quality improvements, and $100 per native tree up to $200 total. Rebates cover materials only and native/tree species must come from the Ames approved list. Funding is limited and the City approves the application before reimbursement (City of Ames Smart Watersheds; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: Single-family: up to $500 rain garden, $400 native landscaping, $400 soil quality, $100 per native tree ($200 max); materials only

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Ames customer
• Property located in: Ames
• Ames property owner (single-family amounts listed)
• Native and tree species from the Ames approved list
• Materials-only reimbursement; funding limited
• Apply and receive City approval before reimbursement

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to City of Ames and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.