Del-Aware Backyard Rebates

How it works

Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District is re-launching a pilot backyard conservation rebate program for the 2026 growing season, in partnership with the City of Sunbury and the Village of Shawnee Hills. The goal is to help residents reduce stormwater runoff, conserve water and soil resources, improve water quality, and keep polluted runoff out of streams.

The program gives homeowners a voucher for an immediate rebate after they complete the required education and quiz steps. The voucher is redeemed at a participating vendor for an instant discount at the time of purchase; there is no reimbursement after purchase.

What the money covers

The rebate applies to one of two eligible backyard conservation items:

• Rain barrels
• Native plants

The program page says participants choose one of the two items that best fits their needs. The rebate helps cover the cost of the item itself, not sales tax. Participants must pay tax out of pocket.

Amounts and matching

• Rebate amount: $50
• Form of assistance: immediate discount voucher
• Limit: one rebate per household per year
• Only one eligible item may be selected per voucher

The page also says rebates are limited and subject to availability, and that rebate funding and availability can change from year to year.

How to apply

1. Check whether your property is in an eligible tax district using the Delaware County Auditor GIS Property Search website.
2. View the online presentation.
3. Complete the online quiz and contact form.
4. Your submission is emailed to Erin Fisher for review.
5. The district manually verifies your tax district.
6. If eligible, you receive a voucher with detailed redemption rules.
7. Take the voucher to a participating vendor for an immediate discount.

The page says to allow about two weeks from quiz submission to voucher delivery.

Timing and deadlines

• Program active: 2026-05-01 through 2026-10-31
• The page says the program is a pilot for the 2026 growing season.
• Rebates are limited and available only while funding lasts.
• The district reserves the right to modify or end the program pending the outcome of the 2026 pilot run.

Participating vendors

• Delaware SWCD: rain barrels
• Leaves for Wildlife: native plants
• Scioto Gardens: native plants and rain barrels