How to Get the Rain Garden Rebate

What you get

Reimburses up to $500 toward the materials and supplies for building a rain garden, with Rutgers Cooperative Extension design support. Limited to residents of the Neshanic River or Back Brook watersheds (North Jersey Resource Conservation & Development; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: Up to $500 (materials)

Are you eligible?

• Be a North Jersey Resource Conservation & Development customer
• Property located in: Hillsborough, Branchburg, Readington, Raritan
• Resident of the Neshanic River or Back Brook watershed
• Build a rain garden (materials 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 North Jersey Resource Conservation & Development 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.