How to Get the PLaNT Program (Private Lands Native Transformation)

What you get

Reimburses 100% of materials for a do-it-yourself project up to $1,999, or 50% of contractor costs up to $1,999, for rain gardens, native landscaping and prairie, native trees and shrubs, and soil-quality restoration. Open to residents outside the Des Moines metro cities that run their own Rain Campaign programs. A site visit with PLaNT staff is required before applying, and residents must contact the program before purchasing materials or hiring a contractor (Polk County Water Resources; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: DIY: 100% of materials up to $1,999. Hire a contractor: 50% of contractor costs up to $1,999

Are you eligible?

• Be a Polk County Water Resources customer
• Property located in: Polk County
• Resident of Polk County outside the Des Moines metro Rain Campaign program cities
• Eligible practice: rain garden, native landscaping/prairie, native trees/shrubs, or soil-quality restoration
• Required site visit with PLaNT staff before applying
• Contact the program before purchasing materials or hiring a contractor

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 County Water Resources 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.