Big News: FCWD is funding one FREE raingarden (valued at ~$1,200) to a Pueblo homeowner in 2026!

Keep reading to learn more about raingardens and how to apply… 

We are looking for homeowners who:

• Are excited about improving water quality,
• Want to learn about native landscaping,
• Are willing to help care for the garden,
• And want to inspire neighbors and community members!

The selected homeowner will receive: 

• Custom raingarden design
• Installation support and equipment
• Native plants and mulch
• A free rain barrel
• Technical guidance and maintenance support
• Opportunity to help improve local water quality 

Interested homeowners must:

• Live on Pueblo’s East or Lower East side; see attached map.
• Own their home and property, and live full time at least 10+ months/year.
• Have installed gutters and downspouts that are functioning.
• Participate in the installation/building of the garden and recruit volunteers to help, especially family, children and youth!
• Agree to display a yard sign for one year that explains the program and shows sponsor logos.
• Apply!

Timeline:

• Program Announced: May 15, 2026
• Raingarden Application Deadline: July 10, 2026
• Projected Raingarden Installation: August/September 2026                                                       

 

What is a Raingarden?

A raingarden is a bowl-shaped garden designed to capture and absorb stormwater runoff from roofs and hard surfaces. Using native plants and healthy soils, raingardens help reduce pollution, support pollinators, and beautify neighborhoods. 

 

Benefits of Raingardens

A rain garden slows down the rain and snow melt that flows off home roofs into the gutters and downspouts. Raingardens allow for 30% more water to soak into the ground.

• Improves Water Quality – As runoff is filtered by rain gardens, pollutants soak into the soil and vegetation-not going to nearby waterways. 
• Replenishes Groundwater – Allowing water to soak into the ground restores the natural water cycle and helps in drought years.
• Feed Pollinators – Raingardens are perfect areas to plant Colorado native species which provide food sources for bees, butterflies, other insects and hummingbirds.
• Improves Property Values – Well maintained raingardens are attractive landscape features!

 

Raingarden Example