Protecting & Restoring Long Island's Peconic Bays

Homeowner Rewards Program

Applications Now Open for 2024!

The Peconic Estuary Partnership (PEP) is providing a unique opportunity for people who live within the Peconic Estuary watershed. The PEP will provide financial rewards for homeowners who remove turf and pavement, and add green alternatives to their properties that benefit the environment.

Homeowners can earn up to $500 to offset the expense of installing green infrastructure on their properties including rain barrels, rain gardens, and native plant gardens.

Children helping to plant a native garden.
Children helping to plant a native plant garden. Photo: Mare Dianora

This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact for your local estuary and all its amazing bays. While improving your property, you are reducing pollution from entering local waters. Funds are limited and will be granted on a first come first serve basis, so don’t miss out!

Learn more about how installing rain barrels and rain gardens can reduce pollution to our bays on the Create a Peconic Friendly Yard page.

Reducing Fertilizer Use

As you plan your new landscape with native plantings, rain gardens, or rain barrels, the Peconic Estuary Partnership encourages you to consider how to also lessen your fertilizer use by following the LINAP nitrogen fertilizer recommendations. View a list of the recommendations for homeowners here!

Take the Reduce Nitrogen Pledge

Check out 10 ways you can reduce your personal nitrogen inputs and take the pledge to be recognized as a leader in helping to combat nitrogen pollution in our community! Take the “Reduce Nitrogen Pledge” today.

Details and How to Apply:

#1 Submit the Online Homeowner Rewards Program Application

Or

print and fill out the Homeowner Rewards Program Application

Please send completed application via email or mail to:

Peconic Estuary Partnership

Riverhead County Center

300 Center Drive, Room 250S

Riverhead, NY 11901

#2 Upon approval, construct your project

#3 Submit receipts and pictures of project for final approval

#4 Receive your rebate check up to $500

Residents of Brookhaven, East Hampton, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Southampton, and Southold townships who live within the Peconic Estuary watershed are eligible. Check out the Peconic Estuary Watershed Boundary map below to see if you are eligible.

Please call with any questions 631-852-5806.

Guidelines

Native Plant Garden and Rain Garden Installation

Children helping to plant a native garden.

Replace pavement, turf grass, or lawn with native plant species only.

Minimum size of garden: 50 square feet.

Maximum rebate per garden installation: $500 for native plants only. Receipts must be provided.

Rain Barrel Installation

Painted rain barrel.

Install based on manufacturers guidelines or follow DIY instructions. Mosquito netting must be included. Use appropriate mosquito protection attached to top of rain barrel.

Minimum size: 50 gallons.

Maximum rebate per barrel: $100/barrel or at cost

LINAP Fertilizer Recommendations

As you plan your new landscape with native plantings, rain gardens, or rain barrels, consider how to also lessen your fertilizer use by following the LINAP nitrogen fertilizer recommendations. View a list of the recommendations for homeowners here!

Screenshot from the Peconic Estuary Program Interactive Yard Tool.
Peconic Estuary Partnership Interactive Yard Tool.

Resources to help you get started…

Check out the PEP Interactive Yard Tool to start planning your Peconic-friendly yard! This Native Plant Species Database helps you browse Long Island Native Plants to select for your yard.

Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI) Native Plant Resources

Native Plant Gardens Virtual Workshop Recording with LINPI and Group for the East End

PEP partnered with the Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC) to develop a “Reduce Nitrogen Pledge” for the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan. Check out 10 ways you can reduce your personal nitrogen inputs and take the pledge to be recognized as a leader in helping to combat nitrogen pollution in our community!

Follow the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP) nitrogen fertilizer recommendations on your property. See more information here.

Click here for a list of the Top 7 places to buy natives near the Peconic Estuary.


Related Content

More Resources

Connect with Us

Sign up for News, Events and Information straight to your inbox.