RainScapes Neighborhoods

At the present time, we have discontinued the RainScapes Neighborhood program as a stand-alone element of the RainScapes program. If you are in a community with or without an HOA, please visit the RainScapes HOA page.  In the past we had a  RainScapes Neighborhood approach for those communities determined to be  in need of more intensive stormwater control projects.  The County worked with local residents to implement stormwater management projects on private and public land through DEP programs. 
 

Previously, a RainScape Neighborhood was designated during the watershed planning process when:
 

• the area was in a high priority area based on the MS4 Implementation Plan;

• the neighborhood had known drainage problems which require more intensive runoff reduction on private property;

• the existence of an active watershed group or community association expressed interest in supporting the stormwater control effort and has good communication networks in the neighborhood; or

• The neighborhood is in a good location for partnership efforts with other County agencies such as the Department of Transportation, in order to more efficiently deliver services. 

Previously Targeted Neighborhoods in Montgomery County

Targeted Neighborhoods in Montgomery County

 

Local Watershed Organizations

DEP encourages  local watershed organizations to lead stewardship efforts in their community. DEP partners with local nonprofits to reach as many citizens as possible within RainScapes neighborhoods and to provide opportunities for new neighborhoods to join the program.

Participating organizations will receive technical assistance and supplies from DEP for project installation. DEP is currently working with the Friends of Sligo Creek in several neighborhoods and they expect to expand the effort in the Rock Creek watershed with the help of the Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment group. If you interested in learning more about RainScapes Neighborhoods,and partnerships, please email  RainScapes .

How does a Community Qualify as a RainScapes Neighborhood?

RainScapes Neighborhoods were determined by DEP based on watershed conditions, local community support, existing/ongoing infrastructure improvements in the neighborhood, and other landscape factors.

The geographic locations of current RainScapes Neighborhoods are primarily in more populated watershed regions of the County including Rock Creek, the Anacostia River drainages (Sligo Creek, Northwest Branch, and Paint and Little Paint Branch), and selected watersheds that drain directly to the Potomac River. 

If interested in installing a project, you will need to apply for and follow the process for a  Rainscapes Rewards Rebate.

Goals and Methods

The County had set a goal that a minimum of 30 percent of the properties in a RainScapes Neighborhood would have some form of stormwater control project by the end of the project, which lasted 10 years. The purpose of this goal was to achieve a measurable reduction in stormwater runoff.
   
With a measurable implementation approach, RainScapes in these neighborhoods would have a greater combined impact, resulting in clean, healthy local streams while adding value through attractive landscaping throughout the community. 

We still encourage every resident in the neighborhood to select an appropriate RainScapes technique to install, or  take other easy steps to reduce stormwater pollution from their yard .