TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The City of Tallahassee is providing grants so residents can install rain gardens to help preserve the natural environment.
Rain gardens, which are landscaped areas that capture and briefly hold excess rain, help protect such local water resources as lakes and streams. A rain garden allows the rain to soak into the soil and recharge the groundwater.
A total of 25 applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Grants, not to exceed $175 each, will be awarded.
Once the rain garden is installed, reimbursement for the amount of the actual documented cost (up to $175) should be received within 45 days.
Only owners of property within the Tallahassee City limits are eligible. Rain garden grant applications can be found at www.TAPPwater.org.
Planting native and adapted plants is typically recommended as they are more tolerant of the local climate, soil and water conditions.
Rain gardens also help slow the flow of water from a yard during and after a storm, which helps reduce water pollution to area waterbodies.
If you have questions about the application process, contact TAPP coordinator Courtney Schoen at (850) 891-8754 or courtney.schoen@talgov.com.
To learn more about small personal changes that can help keep local lakes, sinks and streams cleaner, visit www.TAPPwater.org.
