How to Get the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)

What you get

Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District administers the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program locally, reimbursing 80% of the cost of conservation landscaping (turf converted to meadows, mulched beds, native tree plantings, filter strips, or riparian buffers) or a rain garden, up to $7,000 per practice. Bioretention is reimbursed at 80% up to $30,000, and impervious surface removal at $5.00 per square foot up to $20,000 (Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts VCAP practice pages, plus the district's own program page; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: 80% of costs, up to $7,000 (conservation landscaping or rain garden)

Are you eligible?

• Be a Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District customer
• Property located in: Franklin County, Henry County, Roanoke County, Roanoke
• Non-agricultural residential, business, or community property in the district service area
• Application and site visit before installation (pre-approval required)
• Practice installed to VCAP design specifications
• Maintenance agreement for the life of the practice

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 Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District 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.