RainScapes for Schools

What Projects are Eligible?

Three types of natural drainage projects on school campuses will be funded through the RainScapes for Schools program:

Rain Gardens

A rain garden is a garden that is designed to absorb stormwater slowly after a rainfall. It looks like a shallow depression in the ground but otherwise can blend into other planting areas.

Learn more about rain gardens.

Students can be taught lessons about the water cycle, stormwater control, and watershed health through observations and hands on learning opportunities with the rain garden. Rain gardens may also be used for habitat lessons and many other curricular applications which are outside of the science content area.

Damascus Elementary School

 

Conservation Landscapes 

Conservation landscapes support the reestablishment of the native flora of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, reduce runoff and enhance local landscape aesthetics.  

Conservation landscaping removes turf areas (the square foot area is specified in the Conservation Landscaping application) and replanting with habitat-supporting species. 75% of the plants selected should be native to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The RainScapes for Schools program will provide a list of plants suitable for conservation landscapes as well as a list of other suitable resources. 

Students can be taught about the importance of the interrelationship between the people who live in watersheds and how watershed health is supported through environmental stewardship and reflected in landscapes.

Lessons pertaining to plant community composition, impacts of stormwater runoff, and the change in runoff depending on land cover are applicable to several disciplines. Many observational opportunities exist for curricular ties across the disciplines—from science to fine arts. Each of the native forest types in Montgomery County evolved with a community of plants specific to the environmental conditions of the County. These plant communities have similar growing requirements within themselves, leading to lower maintenance solutions for landscapes when you replant using a plant community conservation landscaping model.                                     

Requirements and Funding

Each MCPS school is required to do a comprehensive site evaluation prior to selecting their project using a checklist included in the  Application Form (PDF, 899KB). When selecting a project type, consider how it would help to meet educational goals, and also consider resources needed for first-time installation and on-going maintenance. Projects should support educational efforts and not be part of meeting a facilities requirement for on-site stormwater management. 

Each project is expected to include a planting design and maintenance plan and must receive approval from the appropriate facilities management office prior to installation. A facilities form must be submitted as part of the application package.

A School Agreement signed by the school principal must be submitted to DEP (see sample in Section 7 of the  RainScapes for Schools Support Document  (PDF, 378KB). This signed Letter of Agreement between the school principal and DEP must be submitted to verify that this is a project supported by the principal, that the on-site building services personnel will be informed about this project, and that there is a school-based commitment to maintaining the project. If you have questions or concerns regarding this process please contact us at Rainscapes.Application@montgomerycountymd.gov .

List of Project Requirements

• A comprehensive site assessment to identify site conditions and determine the best site for a project 

• Stated curriculum objectives to be met by the RainScapes Project 

• Approval of the appropriate facilities management office as indicated on the MCPS Facilities management form. Download the approval form (PDF, 75KB)

• Support of the school principal shown by signatures on the first page of the application

• A stated plan for implementation 

• A planting plan 

• A maintenance plan 

• All requirements outlined in the application (including the design guidelines and criteria for project eligibility) must be met 

• RainScapes or other approved sign must be installed at each project (A RainScapes educational sign for each project will be provided by Department of Environmental Protection.) 

Funding

Each Montgomery County public school is eligible for a funding maximum of $5,000 per property for the sum of all projects. The eligible project types include rain gardens and conservation landscaping.  RainScapes will provide materials up to the maximum value; we do not provide funds to be expended. All decisions on funding are final and are at the sole discretion of the Department of Environmental Protection.

How to Apply

If you are interested in installing a rain garden, conservation landscape or tree planting project through RainScapes for Schools, please review the individual project requirements.  When you’re ready to apply contact the RainScapes program at  Rainscapes@montgomerycountymd.gov  for application information. Applications can be submitted via email. 

• Download Application Form (PDF, 899KB)

• RainScapes for Schools Support Document (PDF, 378KB)

Application Deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as funds are limited by fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) and there are spring and fall deadlines to allow for project review by both MCPS and DEP. 

• Applications for spring projects are due by Dec 15th to Rainscapes

• Applications for fall projects are due by March 15th to Rainscapes

Note: if you already have project approval from MCPS, these deadlines could be flexible assuming that the project meets our requirements.

Follow the three steps listed below. A more detailed set of information is provided in the  RainScapes for Schools Support Document (PDF, 378KB)

STEP ONE – Comprehensive Site Evaluation and Application Preparation

1. Read the materials and obtain a base map from the school system GIS office or Google Earth. If you are unable to get mapping resources in this manner, contact RainScapes.

2. Conduct a comprehensive site assessment as detailed in the RainScapes for Schools support documents (Section 1). If you need assistance, contact the DEP RainScapes office.

3. Select a project type and fill out the appropriate application. Include your estimated budget with the application.

4. Compile all necessary documentation outlined in the application including:

   1. A "before" photo of the proposed project area (up to six COMPRESSED photos may be submitted to Rainscapes@montgomerycountymd.gov )

   2. A plan with a simple graphic of the project shown on the property.

   3. An itemized budget covering all project costs requested to be covered by DEP

   4. A proposed maintenance schedule (Sample template in support documents (Section 3)

5. Have the application signed by all appropriate parties.

6. E-mail the application, photos, and required documentation to  Rainscapes@montgomerycountymd.gov

7. Submit your Facilities Form for Projects at the same time you submit your RainScapes Project form to expedite project processing.

8. After you receive application approval from the Department of Environmental Protection (but before beginning the project) a preliminary site inspection and consultation will be scheduled. (Allow three weeks for processing).

STEP TWO – Before you begin installing the Project

When your application has been approved by DEP:

1. You will be contacted by the Department of Environmental Protection and the preliminary site inspection will be scheduled.

2. For all RainScapes for Schools projects, you must contact MISS UTILITY and have the project area marked prior to site inspection. Note: ask your building services manager to help you with getting utilities marked on school property.

3. Don’t begin your project without DEP verification of suitability and approval from the MCPS Div of Construction Facilities Office.

4. Materials itemized in your budget will be provided by DEP, up to the maximum allowable value. If costs will exceed the funding allowed, the school will need to indicate to RainScapes the source of funding for all materials not covered by the funding limit.

5. A RainScapes sign will be provided to the school for installation by the school.

STEP THREE – After You Finish the Project

1. Call or email the Department of Environmental Protection RainScapes for Schools program to schedule a final inspection. Inspections will generally be scheduled within 10 business days. 

2. At the final inspection, correct installation of the project will be verified, and the project area will be photographed.

RainScapes for High Schools: Growing Programs

The RainScapes for Schools Growing Program is a voluntary program where 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.

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.

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 25 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. 

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  Rainscapes@montgomerycountymd.gov for program invitation.

Application Deadline

Plug plant materials will be provided to MCPS high school horticulture classes that submit an application to DEP RainScapes by March 30th. Details on available plants are provided in August. Plugs are available for pickup at the beginning of the 2nd semester from a MCPS High School Greenhouse.

All pickups are at Sherwood High School Greenhouse (pick up date to be provided after application is processed and approved). Soil mix and pots will be provided after the orders are placed in the fall and should be picked up from Sherwood High School Greenhouse within 2 weeks of notification. Plugs will be delivered at the beginning of the Spring Semester to Sherwood HS Greenhouse and will need to be picked up at that time. Teachers are responsible for collecting their materials and coordinating with Sherwood HS for pickups; details and contact information will be provided at the time of project approval. The RainScapes staff will pick up plants from the schools in the spring which is usually the first week in May.