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How to Get the Smart Watersheds Rebates

City of Ames · Story County, IA

Single-family: up to $500 rain garden, $400 native landscaping, $400 soil quality, $100 per native tree ($200 max); materials onlyAmount not independently confirmed
Native plantingRain gardenTreesSoil

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

Before you start

Do not remove turf or begin work before you have written approval. This program requires pre-approval. Starting early can disqualify the project even if everything else is correct.

The application checklist

How to apply for the Smart Watersheds Rebates

These are the steps this application actually takes.

  1. 1

    Check eligibility

    Make sure you qualify with City of Ames before you start.

  2. 2

    Get pre-approval if required

    Some programs require approval before any work begins. Check with City of Ames and take before photos of the existing yard first.

  3. 3

    Do the work

    Complete the project, take before and after photos, and save every receipt.

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Send City of Ames the completed application with your photos and receipts, then watch for the confirmation.

Open the official program page (opens in new tab)

Get help applying

Want a hand with the application?

A 30-minute call with Stephen, the founder. He reads the Smart Watersheds Rebates rules with you, tells you what to photograph and file first, and answers anything this page does not cover.

Confirm your project ZIP first. If this program does not serve your address, do not buy; check your city or utility on the rebates page instead.

One-time $29.99. Guidance, not filing: you submit to the program yourself. Not legal or financial advice. Rebate amounts and approval are decided by the program.

City of AmesVerified Jul 2026

Every program listed cites its official source, and each program page shows the date we last verified it against that source. Program details change throughout the year, so always confirm requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with the program before starting work. Pollinator Patch is not affiliated with any rebate program and does not guarantee approval.

See a problem with a program? Report it

Programs change throughout the year. If something here is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll check it against the provider.