Programs
Beach Grass Grant:
The Beach Grass Grant, typically provided in the winter months, provides applicants with dormant beach grass culms. Applicants are required to provide the volunteer labor to install the plugs, which is a simple process, but can be labor intensive. Watering after planting is not typically needed. The culms are planted in the secondary dune, a vital natural resource which has many important roles, including, but not limited to, providing erosion control, increasing wildlife habitat, and enhancing storm surge protection. In turn, a healthy secondary dune helps create a more resilient community and ecosystem.
Pollinator Garden & Beach Dune Plant Giveaway:
View Fiesta Park Pollinator Garden Project
The Pollinator Garden and Beach District Grants provide a limited number of applicants with a variety of plants (usually 8-12 total) that range from 1 quart to 3 gallons in size. The applicant is responsible for installing the plantings and then providing minimal maintenance, such as watering and weeding. The Beach District plants are specifically for areas adjacent to the dunal system and beach, while the Pollinator Garden Grant is better suited for properties west of Coastal Highway. These plantings provide ground stabilization, improve soil and water quality, sequester carbon, and provide food and habitat for butterflies, moths, bees, and birds. The Pollinator Garden and Dune Planting mini-grants are offered at specific times of year, most commonly in the Spring. Advertisement for these programs will be posted on the Town’s website.
What is a Pollinator Garden? The simplest definition of a pollinator garden is a garden that attracts, bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds or other creatures that transfer pollen from flower to flower or within flowers. Pollinators are in decline mostly due to loss of feeding and nesting habitats. Pollution and misuse of chemicals are other causes of their endangerment.
Why is a Pollinator Garden Important? Pollinators provide pollination services to over 180,000 different plant species and more than 1,200 crops. This means that one out of every three bites of food you eat relies on pollinators. In addition to the food that we eat, pollinators support healthy ecosystems that clean the air, stabilize soils, protect from severe weather, and support other wildlife.
Rain Barrel Rebate
The Town of Ocean City offers a Rain Barrel rebate to citizens and businesses within the Town limits. A rain barrel is a water tank positioned at a downspout to collect water and used to water plants or attach to a soaking hose to water a garden. Rain barrels are not meant for drinking. There will be a limited number of rebates; therefore, they will be awarded on a first come basis. You will need to submit this application to the address below be eligible for the rebate.
Maryland Tree Program
Plant and be counted! Register every tree you plant at trees.maryland.gov
Take the pledge to help keep Ocean City clean!