CONGRATULATIONS!
YOU Qualify FOR
watershed-friendly LANDSCAPING Improvements
The Homeowner Incentive Program offers technical and financial support to Lake Whatcom watershed homeowners to design and install beautiful native landscapes that improve your yard and protect the lake.
The cost of plants, mulch, landscape design, and installation labor can be reimbursed through a HIP-approved native landscape project.
Please scroll down to learn more about the HIP projects available for your property that will make the greatest contribution to lake protection.
Review program materials and sign up for HIP below!
STEP ONE:
Sign up FOR HIP
Sign up today and HIP staff will contact you to answer your questions and schedule a site visit. At a site visit, staff will visit your property to provide guidance on native landscaping and step you through the HIP application process.
STEP TWO:
Review program materials
While you prepare for your site visit, please review the materials below to start developing ideas about how HIP projects will fit with your short and long-term plans for landscaping on your property.
YOUR PERSONALIZED
PROPERTY RESOURCES
Native Landscaping
Using “right plant, right place” principles, we help you create picturesque landscapes that are low-maintenance and help protect water quality.
Wet Garden
Low-lying areas on your property, where runoff may pool and saturate soils, can still be landscaped without the need for extensive digging or drainage features.
Dry Creekbed
Add interest to your landscaping project by installing a false stream bed feature. No digging is needed, just use clean, round rocks as your “mulch.”
CUSTOM
HIP LANDSCAPE DESIGNS
Shady Creekside Landscape Plan
Along streams, use this layout to beautify your property while reducing erosion and flooding.
Part Sun Privacy Landscape Plan
Creating a border of native landscaping using this layout grows a beautiful and natural barrier while keeping your views intact.
Backyard Sanctuary Landscape Plan
Use this layout to turn an open lawn area into a private place where you can relax, entertain guests, and attract birds and butterflies.
Sunny Hillside Landscape Plan
Mowing lawns on steep slopes can be a big headache. This layout helps you envision ways to plant your hillside while maintaining that spectacular view.
Deep Shade Landscape Plan
Some native plants thrive in shady areas, where weeds and moss would otherwise grow. Use this layout if you live under tall trees or for the shady side of your lot.
Note: Additional incentives are available for property owners who live directly on the Lake Whatcom shoreline, have creeks on their property, or have very large lawn and impervious surface areas.
If you believe you might qualify for these additional benefits, we can check your eligibility on your behalf. Please email us by using the “Contact” link at the bottom of this page.