Catch the Rain offers cash rebates for simple projects that protect our streams. Plant trees, grow native flowers, or install a rain garden, small steps that make a big difference!
Stormwater washing off land is the largest source of pollution to the White Clay Creek. Almost all of the rain falling on roofs, driveways, roads, parking lots, mowed lawns, and patios ends up as stormwater runoff.
In contrast, rain falling on forests and meadows gradually soaks into the sponge-like soils; pollutants are filtered out, groundwater is replenished, and stream water swings between flood and drought levels are evened out, preserving more constant stream flows and protecting aquatic life.
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) practices help capture, detain, and infiltrate rain, mimicking natural ecosystems. GSI systems are proven to simulate natural soil filtering and reduce stormwater volumes and speeds.
Your green lawn is not so green; in fact, mowed lawns shed almost as much rain (~90%) as paved surfaces (100%)! Smaller lawns also cut down on mowing and fertilizer/pesticide applications.
Well managed GSI projects enhance community beauty, increase property values (5% or more), and provide vital habitat for birds and pollinators.
The Catch the Rain invites White Clay watershed homeowners to learn more about green stormwater projects through on site property visits. During your site visit we will explain simple practices you can undertake to improve water quality in your neighborhood and explain how you can apply for rebates to install these Green Stormwater Infrastructure practices including:
rain barrels,
pervious paving retrofits or removal of existing paving,
conservation landscape plantings,
and canopy tree plantings.
Before Conservation Landscaping
After Conservation Landscaping
Want to learn more about Catch the Rain?
Visit our Interactive Catch the Rain ArcGIS Dashboard to see where we’ve visited and what projects have been implemented.
Learn how the Catch the Rain Program works. (View/download how to become a White Clay Creek-wise homeowner)
See what type of rebate you could qualify for: (View/download the Catch the Rain Rebate Table)
Download our brochure: (View/download the Catch the Rain Program Brochure)
Visit our public rain gardens in West Grove Borough (View/download our Rain Gardens of West Grove Borough Brochure)
Ready to get started?
Enter your address here to see if you live in the White Clay Creek Watershed.
If you are interested in attending an upcoming workshop please contact Lucy Dinsmore and include your name, address, and contact information in the body of the email. A recorded workshop can be viewed below.
*Initial funding for this program was provided by: Dockstader Foundation, White Clay Watershed Association Wild and Scenic River Program, Veolia, White Clay Preservation Fund, and the Brandywine Conservancy.