How to Get the Landscaping for Clean Water Rebate

What you get

A $400 cost-share grant for installing a rain garden or native/pollinator planting, available after completing the Landscaping for Clean Water design course. Funded by Dakota County watershed organizations and open to the Lower Mississippi River WMO area of Ramsey County as well. Requires the design course and pre-approval before planting (Dakota County SWCD; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: $400 cost-share grant (after the design course)

Are you eligible?

• Be a Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation District customer
• Property located in: Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Lakeville, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights
• Resident of Dakota County (or the Lower Mississippi River WMO area of Ramsey County)
• Complete the Landscaping for Clean Water design course first (small course fee)
• Install a rain garden or native/pollinator planting
• Apply for the grant and get approval before installing

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 Dakota County Soil & 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.