FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2021
MEDIA CONTACTS: Gordon Tepper, Rebecca Cheng, Matthew Leonenko and Michael Anderson | (516) 869-7794
North Hempstead Offers Rebates for Native Plants
North Hempstead, NY – Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board are proud to announce a pilot rebate program designed to encourage residents to purchase native plants to replace lawns and existing garden spaces. The Town received $5,600 from the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District and will be offering eligible residents up to $500 per household for the purchase of native plants.
“We are proud to partner with the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District," said Supervisor Bosworth. "We are so grateful for their continued support and advocacy for our local environment. By participating in this innovative rebate program, our residents will have the opportunity to play an important role in protecting and preserving local habitats while also making our environment more resilient for future generations."
Native plant gardens and rain gardens have a multitude of environmental benefits. They provide food, shelter, and nesting resources for pollinators, of which many species are in decline, as well as birds, small mammals, and a variety of wildlife species. They also have extensive root systems that absorb polluted stormwater, can take in carbon dioxide and other air pollutants, have low maintenance requirements, do not need fertilizer, and are drought tolerant once established.
To qualify, residents will be required to complete an application that includes information about their proposed garden location, their estimated budget, native plant species chosen, proposed garden size, photo(s) of proposed planting location, and a basic garden layout prior to starting their projects. Other supplies needed to create the garden as well as delivery fees and taxes are not reimbursable. For smaller areas, residents do not need to apply for the entire $500 rebate, however the minimum garden size is 50 square feet.
Gardens will only be comprised of plants native to New York along with some select naturalized plants. Residents will be provided with educational resources from the Town, the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Long Island Native Plant Initiative to assist with the creation of the new native plant and rain gardens. These resources include a list of native plants that are reimbursable, design and maintenance information for native plant gardens, and basic design templates for various garden conditions.
Funding is limited and applications that meet the requirements will be accepted on first-come first-served basis. For more information and details on how to apply, please call 311 or visit www.northhempsteadny.gov/sustainability.
Native plant garden at Ridder’s Pond Park.
Rain garden at Clark Botanic Garden.