How to Get the Lake Hopatcong Watershed Rain Garden Rebate

What you get

Rebate of $3 per square foot of garden, up to $450 per lot, for homeowners who install a Rutgers-designed rain garden or shoreline buffer. Open to residents of Jefferson, Hopatcong, Mount Arlington, and Roxbury who live in the Lake Hopatcong watershed. Requires attendance at a rain garden workshop and a free Rutgers design session before installation (Lake Hopatcong Commission with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: $3 per square foot, up to $450 per lot

Are you eligible?

• Be a Lake Hopatcong Commission customer
• Property located in: Jefferson, Hopatcong, Mount Arlington, Roxbury
• Reside in the Lake Hopatcong watershed in Jefferson, Hopatcong, Mount Arlington, or Roxbury
• Attend a rain garden workshop (required to qualify)
• Complete a free Rutgers design session
• Install a Rutgers-designed rain garden or shoreline buffer; rebate paid after installation

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 Lake Hopatcong Commission 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.