The Groundwater Foundation's Green Sites program, which recognizes individuals and organizations that can prove they follow responsible groundwater practices, can now offer, thanks to a donation from the Rain Bird Corporation, extra incentive to apply for a Green Site designation.

In support of the Groundwater Foundation's Green Sites program, Rain Bird Corporation recently announced that it will give away $2,000 worth of irrigation products to a program applicant.

The foundation promotes groundwater stewardship, encourages green sites to adopt responsible groundwater practices, and offers green spaces, including golf courses, parks, schools and athletic complexes, the opportunity to earn an official Green Site designation.

"We designed the Groundwater Guardian Green Sites program to recognize green spaces for their environmental efforts and educate others about the many things these sites do each day to protect our groundwater," said Jane Griffin, president of the Groundwater Foundation.

Anyone who manages or maintains a green space can apply for the Green Site designation. The process includes a confidential, free groundwater site survey. An application form must be completed, which is then scored by the Groundwater Foundation. Points are awarded based on each site's current practices related to chemical use, water use, pollution prevention and water quality. Sites that earn a minimum of 70 percent of the total applicable points receive the Green Site designation.

The winner of the products must apply for the Green Site designation by September 16, 2013. Rain Bird Corporation, headquartered in Azusa, Calif., is a manufacturer and supplier of irrigation products and services.

"As strong advocates for responsible water use, Rain Bird appreciates the excellent work that the Groundwater Foundation does each day to ensure sustainable, clean groundwater for future generations," said Alex Nathanson, brand manager for Rain Bird Corporation. "We hope our involvement will help inspire many more green sites to become part of this very worthwhile program."