RainScapes for Schools

RainScapes for Schools is a voluntary program where educational projects like rain gardens and conservation landscapes can be implemented on Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) property with help from volunteers and technical support from the Department of Environmental Protection. These projects both reduce stormwater pollution and provide educational opportunities for students by strengthening their connection to nature during their school day.  All MCPS schools are eligible to apply for the RainScapes for Schools program provided they agree to provide volunteer labor for the installation and maintenance of the projects and have a source of materials for the project.

In addition to the RainScapes for Schools program, MCPS high schools can apply for the RainScapes Growing Program.

The RainScapes for Schools Growing Program is a voluntary program where MCPS high school horticulture and environmental science classes are supplied with plants, pots, soil, and guidance for the educational propagation of native plants in their greenhouses. Plants are grown in the second semester and can be used in watershed restoration projects. A portion are returned to DEP for outreach and stormwater management plant replacements use and schools can then use the balance for a native plant sale or other environmental project.

students propagating plants in classroom

students holding plants outdoors

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Who is eligible?

Any high school horticulture and/or AP environmental studies programs in Montgomery County public schools with greenhouse access are eligible for this program.

How to apply?

Participation is by invitation based on previous participation or by a request from a teacher by March 30th, for the following academic year. Email: [email protected] for program invitation or to get more information on how the program works.

Application Deadline

All pickups are at Pope Farm Greenhouses (pick up date to be provided after application is processed and approved). Teachers are responsible for collecting their materials and coordinating with Pope Farm for pickups; details and contact information will be provided at the time of acceptance into the year's program. The RainScapes staff will pick up plants from the schools in the spring, usually before Spring Break but no later than the first week in May for use in projects.

Reporting Requirements

While there is no charge to the school for the plants or growing media, a one page assessment survey of the project and at least 33% percent of the plants provided are to be provided back to RainScapes for spring planting projects by mid-spring. The balance of plants produced is for the classes to use on community-based projects or as part of the entrepreneurial component of green job education in the horticulture curriculum such as organizing a native plant sale. 