How to Get the Harrisonburg Conservation Assistance Program (HCAP)

What you get

Reimburses 100% of project cost: up to $3,500 each for Turf-to-Trees and Turf-to-Meadow conversions, and up to $30,000 for bioretention (rain gardens), with a $30,000 annual cap per applicant. A reimbursement program (the applicant pays for the work, then is reimbursed); distinct from the city stormwater-fee-credit program (City of Harrisonburg, administered by Shenandoah Valley SWCD; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: 100% cost-share: up to $3,500 (turf-to-trees/meadow), up to $30,000 (bioretention)

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Harrisonburg (Shenandoah Valley SWCD) customer
• Property located in: Harrisonburg
• Property in the City of Harrisonburg
• Turf-to-trees, turf-to-meadow, or bioretention practice
• Applicant pays for work, then is reimbursed

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 Harrisonburg (Shenandoah Valley SWCD) 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.