Photo courtesy of Rain Gardens for Rock Island

The City of Rock Island, Illinois
"Improving the Environment, One Garden at a Time"

Rock island residents are encouraged to manage stormwater by creating rain gardens.

"The Rain Gardens for Rock Island Program is intended to enhance neighborhoods and educate the citizens of Rock Island on the benefits and reasons for rain gardens."
The program, administered by the Public Works Department, assists homeowners and businesses to install proper rain gardens through financial assistance and advice.

Those wishing to participate in the program are guided through a step-by-step process, starting with detailed overview (lots of inspiring pictures) and a downloadable application form.

After the application (& sketch) are received, the City will review the application and meet with the resident/business to discuss the proposed garden.

Citizens are reimbursed for an approved/inspected rain garden based on the total square footage at a rate of $4.00 per square foot (maximum reimbursable area per year is 750 sq ft, i.e. total of $3,000.)

A reduction of the stormwater fee is also available in the form of a credit on residents’ water bills.

Citizens able to incorporate a rain barrel into their rain garden will be provided one free of charge.

The resident may begin building the raingarden after receiving the approval. Upon completion the raingarden is inspected by the Public Works Department.

In 2006, Rain Gardens for Rock Island won an an
Urban Innovation in Illinois award.

Go to the
Rain Gardens for Rock Island webpage