Eligible Expenses

Mini-cost share project types include native plant projects on residential property. Examples of native plant projects include pocket prairies, pollinator gardens, and native shrub and/or tree plantings. Native plants include all forms such as wildflowers, grasses, sedges, trees, and shrubs.

Components eligible for cost share include live native plants (potted, bare root, tuber, etc.), native plant seeds, temporary fencing to protect plants from herbivores, natural mulch for soil protection or moisture conservation, edging, and other items or materials essential to project success.

Ineligible components include decorative elements, irritation supplies, landscaping fabric, in-kind labor or materials, and vehicle mileage/fuel.

At least 75 percent of the reimbursable cost of a project must go toward the purchase of live native plants and seeds.


Native Plant Pledge

 Wild form native plants: I will use non-cultivated varieties of plants native to the region between central Minnesota and central Iowa. Cultivars (cultivated varieties) of native plants are not permitted.

 Approved source: I will purchase native plants from a reliable native plant grower/vendor.

 Appropriate selection: I will select plants appropriate for site conditions including sun exposure and soil moisture. I will avoid plants that have been container-grown for more than a couple of years because these plants are usually less healthy. Plugs are recommended.

 Blooms in each season: I will select plants that include at least three species that bloom in spring, three species that bloom in summer, and three species that bloom in fall.

 Keystone species: My plant selection will include at least one keystone species, which is a plant that supports an ecosystem food web. Read the list: NWF Eastern Temperate Keystone Species.

 Ecologically friendly maintenance: I will practice the ecologically friendly maintenance as follows.

• I will not use insecticides or fungicides. These harm soil micro-organisms, insects, songbirds, and other wildlife.

• I will only use herbicides sparingly, only where appropriate for weed control, and closely follow label directions.

• I plan to pull or otherwise control weeds at least three (3) times during the growing season to reduce competition.

• I will limit my use of fertilizer to those without harmful salts. Natural fertilizers such as top-dressing with compost or compost tea are preferred. Native plants usually do not need ANY fertilizer. Alternative lawns: Clover and other legumes fix nitrogen in soil so fertilizer isn't needed.

• I will not irrigate plants after the initial establishment period of two years. Native plants are hardy and shouldn’t need irrigation once established except in cases of extended extreme drought.

• I will select appropriate weather conditions for planting and seeding to optimize plant establishment.

• I will provide soft landings under trees. Soft landings (native plants, leaf litter, and plant debris) support overwintering and pupating insects, which play an important role in nature including serving as food for songbirds.

• I will practice at least some "messy" gardening. Dead standing plants and fallen leaves provide winter and early spring shelter for beneficial insects, birds, and soil microbes. Leave flower stems no shorter than 18 inches. Even better, don't cut off spent flowers as they provide food for birds year-round.