How to Get the Easter Lake Watershed Project Rainscaping Cost-Share Rebate

What you get

Landowners inside the Easter Lake Watershed are eligible for up to 75% cost share on rainscaping practices, including rain gardens, native landscaping, bioretention cells, bioswales, permeable pavement, and soil quality restoration. Eligibility follows the watershed boundary rather than city limits. Projects are pre-approved by a vote of the Polk SWCD Commissioners before installation, and a notarized maintenance agreement is recorded with the Polk County Recorder (Easter Lake Watershed Project, administered by Polk Soil & Water Conservation District; last verified August 2026).

• Residential: Up to 75% of project cost for rainscaping practices

Are you eligible?

• Be a Polk Soil & Water Conservation District customer
• Property located in: Des Moines
• Own land inside the Easter Lake Watershed boundary
• Itemized project estimate, designs with design review checklists where needed, W-9, and Assistance Request Form
• Pre-approval by vote of the Polk SWCD Commissioners before any installation
• Post-install certification inspection against design specifications
• Original paid bills submitted for reimbursement
• Notarized maintenance agreement recorded with the Polk County Recorder

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 Polk 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.