How to Get the Backyard Conservation Program

What you get

Woodford County Conservation District offers urban and suburban residents a 50% cost share, up to $150, for eligible backyard conservation projects. Rain gardens and bioswales, riparian habitat and stream buffers, and perennial pollinator habitat are each named as eligible practices, alongside rainwater harvesting systems and bird, bat and owl houses. Both renters and landowners on any property in the county may apply, first-come first-served. The current cycle is between rounds: the district states the next application period begins in February 2027 (Woodford County Conservation District local cost share page, last verified August 2026).

• Residential: 50% cost share, up to $150 per property

Are you eligible?

• Be a Woodford County Conservation District customer
• Property located in: Versailles, Midway
• Any property in Woodford County, KY
• Renters as well as landowners are eligible
• Apply during the annual application period; first-come, first-served
• Approval before starting the project

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 Woodford County Conservation District 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.