To promote water conservation and protect water quality, the City of Plymouth is offering low-maintenance landscaping grants to the Plymouth community. Applications are due April 24.

Property owners, community associations, businesses, schools, non profits and other community organizations are eligible to apply for the grants. Up to $500 may be awarded for eligible projects. The total amount available this year is $5,000.

Grants will be awarded for activities that protect water quality, reduce storm water runoff and reduce water consumption by utilizing native or other low-maintenance landscaping techniques.

Eligible activities include:

• Replacing portions of lawn with native or other plants that require less irrigation, fertilizer or chemicals
• Reducing impervious surfaces (concrete, rock, asphalt, buildings) 
• Conserving water through the use of moisture sensors on irrigation systems, rain barrels, xeriscape or other water conservation techniques
• Increasing native plants (grasses, ground covers, flowers, shrubs) 
• Creating a buffer area of native plants near a lake, wetland or creek 
• Creating a rain garden 
• Creating a green roof

For more information, call the water resources technician at 763-509-5527. To download an application, visit plymouthmn.gov/watergrant.