The Illinois Rain Garden Initiative grant program provides funds for the construction of a rain garden on public property. A rain garden is a depression that is planted with native wetland or aquatic vegetation. It is designed for and built in a location that will hold stormwater runoff or snow melt, allowing the water to be absorbed slowly by the plants and the soil. Rain gardens are desirable because they reduce stormwater runoff, improve water quality, allow for the recharge of groundwater supplies, increase wildlife habitat and often reduce the need for mowing and its associated costs and pollution. Incorporating rain barrels into the project can make it more sustainable. 

  

This program is sponsored by the Illinois Conservation Foundation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Funding is provided through a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The application deadline is Monday, February 28, 2011.