Deer Creek Watershed Alliance
Rainscaping Cost-Share Program
Round 2026 Survey Questions and Answers

Thank you for reviewing the Deer Creek Watershed Alliance Rainscaping Cost-Share Program Orientation and completing the survey. Your responses have been recorded, and we will use the name and email address associated with your survey responses to verify your completion of the orientation requirement when we receive your application.

Answering these questions correctly indicates that you have a solid foundational understanding of the Cost-Share Program, which will help create a smooth process for you. We will not be scoring your responses, so review the survey questions and answers below to ensure you understand the material presented in the orientation video and Landowner Guide. 

What tool should you use to check whether your address is eligible for funding through the DCWA rainscaping program?
You should use the interactive map tool available on the Cost-Share Program webpage. If your address is in a shaded-pink area, your address is eligible for the DCWA rainscaping program. If you are in a blue or green area, you are eligible for the MSD Small Grants Program instead.

True or False – Your rainscaping project must include a plant-based feature.
True. Rainscaping Cost-Share projects must include at least 100 square feet of a plant-based rainscaping feature. Non plant-based features may be included and reimbursed as part of a project, but will not count toward the minimum 100 square feet.

True or False – You must work with a contractor to install a rainscaping project.
False. While most program participants choose to work with a contractor, it is not required. You may do a project yourself entirely, or use a combination of DIY and contract labor. For example, you may have a contractor install a design you make, or you can hire a contractor to make a design for you to install on your own. You can find a list of contractors familiar with the Cost-Share program on the program webpage, but you can work with a contractor not on the list. Ensure they know you are applying to the program and are familiar with the timeline and how they should format their design and project bid for your application.

True or False – A shady, moist area under a tree is a good place for a rain garden.
False. Rain gardens should not be installed anywhere under a tree’s canopy, as excavation and channeling water to that area could damage and/or kill the tree. A shady, moist area under a tree would be appropriate for a lawn alternative.

True or False – Your plant list must include 100% Missouri native plants.
False. We expect that the majority of plants on your list will be Missouri native plants as they are the most effective species for improving soil health and water quality. 70% native plant lists are competitive within the cost-share program, and 100% native plant lists receive bonus points during application scoring.

Name one resource with information about native plants to help you design your rainscaping feature.
There are many resources available online to help you choose appropriate Missouri native plants for your project! Good places to start include: The Deer Creek Cost-Share Program Webpage, the Missouri Botanical Garden’s online Rainscaping Guide, and the Grow Native! website.

Name one way to indicate that your rainscaping project is an intentional garden, instead of a “wild” space.
There are many ways to signal that your rainscaping feature is a garden space that you are caring for. Good rules of thumb are to maintain clean edges (using pavers, mowing, etc.), grouping plant species together, or placing educational signage.

When should you begin installation on your project?
After you have submitted your signed Project Agreement Form and received Notice to Proceed from the Rainscaping Team. Site preparation such as invasive species removal or killing areas of turf grass where a new garden will go is okay, but keep in mind that if your project is not approved, expenses incurred to prepare for installation will not be reimbursed.

When will you receive reimbursement for your project?
After the project is installed and approved. Program participants can expect to receive their reimbursement in the mail 12 weeks after they submit their Project Completion Form.

True or False – Maintenance funding is available through this program.
True. You can choose to divide your award into installation funding and maintenance funding. If you anticipate wanting maintenance funds, you must indicate that in your application. Projects approved for maintenance funds should submit their maintenance reimbursement requests about 9 months after initial installation.