The Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) offers technical and financial support to Lake Whatcom watershed homeowners to install native landscaping that improves yards and protects the lake.
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!
Using "right plant, right place" principles, we help you create beautiful, picturesque landscapes that can be low-maintenance and capture phosphorus in runoff to help protect water quality.
Low-lying areas on your property, where runoff may pool from time to time, can still be landscaped without the need for extensive digging or drainage features.
Add interest to your landscaping project by installing a false stream bed feature. No digging is needed, just install right over top of your mulch.
We want to make sure that HIP is appropriate for your unique property. Please watch the HIP Overview Video and check out additional program materials before signing 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.
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.