How to Get the Neighborhood Native Landscaping Program

What you get

Whatcom Conservation District covers the planting plan, permitting, materials (plants and mulch), and installation for native landscaping projects in the Birch Bay Watershed and Lake Whatcom Stormwater Utility service area, outside city limits. After year 5, participants who submit 3 maintenance inspection reports qualify for an additional rebate of up to $500 for materials such as mulch, plants, irrigation, and wildlife protection. Projects run 1,000 to 3,000 square feet and are grouped in clusters of 3 or more neighboring properties (Whatcom County; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: Free planting plan, permits, materials and installation; plus up to $500 after year 5

Are you eligible?

• Be a Whatcom Conservation District (with Whatcom County) customer
• Property located in: Birch Bay, Lake Whatcom watershed (unincorporated Whatcom County)
• Residential homeowner in the Birch Bay Watershed or Lake Whatcom Stormwater Utility service area, outside city limits
• Minimum 3 participating properties within about 0.25 miles of each other
• Project size 1,000 to 3,000 sq ft
• Interest-form waitlist; winter sign-up
• $500 post-installation rebate requires 3 maintenance inspection reports after year 5

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 Whatcom Conservation District (with Whatcom County) 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.