How to Get the Ecological Cost-Share Programs
Village of Riverwoods · Lake County, IL
What you get
Shares 50% of the resident cost, up to $2,000 or $4,000 depending on the qualifying program, to plant native species, install rain gardens, and manage rainwater. In-scope programs include the Native Tree & Shrub Planting Program, Native Seeding Program, and Rain Garden Program. Begins with a required in-person Ecological Consultation with the Village Ecologist ($75); each program permit application is $100, and a registered contractor must do the work. Limited to Village of Riverwoods residents (Village of Riverwoods; last verified June 2026).
- Residential: 50% of cost, up to $2,000 (up to $4,000 for some programs)
Are you eligible?
- Be a Village of Riverwoods customer
- Property located in: Riverwoods
- Property within the Village of Riverwoods
- In-person Ecological Consultation with the Village Ecologist ($75 fee)
- $100 per program permit application; work done by a registered contractor
- Reimbursement after the Ecologist verifies completed work
Before you start
Do not remove turf or begin work before you have written approval. This program requires pre-approval. Starting early can disqualify the project even if everything else is correct.
The cap of $2,000 or $4,000 depends on the specific program and is set by the Village Ecologist per property during the consultation.
The application checklist
How to apply for the Ecological Cost-Share Programs
These are the steps this application actually takes.
- 1
Check eligibility
Make sure you qualify with Village of Riverwoods before you start.
- 2
Get pre-approval if required
Some programs require approval before any work begins. Check with Village of Riverwoods and take before photos of the existing yard first.
- 3
Do the work
Complete the project, take before and after photos, and save every receipt.
- 4
Submit your application
Send Village of Riverwoods the completed application with your photos and receipts, then watch for the confirmation.
Get help applying
Want a hand with the application?
A 30-minute call with Stephen, the founder. He reads the Ecological Cost-Share Programs rules with you, tells you what to photograph and file first, and answers anything this page does not cover.
Confirm your project ZIP first. If this program does not serve your address, do not buy; check your city or utility on the rebates page instead.
One-time $29.99. Guidance, not filing: you submit to the program yourself. Not legal or financial advice. Rebate amounts and approval are decided by the program.
Every program listed cites its official source, and each program page shows the date we last verified it against that source. Program details change throughout the year, so always confirm requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with the program before starting work. Pollinator Patch is not affiliated with any rebate program and does not guarantee approval.
See a problem with a program? Report it
Programs change throughout the year. If something here is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll check it against the provider.