Eligible Expenses

The goal of the RPBCWD Mini-Cost Share Program is to increase the diversity of native plants in residential areas. The majority of your Mini-Cost Share award should go towards the purchase of native plants. Native plants include all forms such as wildflowers, grasses, sedges, trees, and shrubs. Additional components may be eligible for reimbursement if they are deemed necessary for project success. If you are unsure if an item is eligible, contact the grant coordinator.

Eligible components 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. Items that are not native plants or seeds can make up a max of 25% of your cost share reimbursement.

Ineligible components include decorative elements, irrigation 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.

*A Word about Mulch: Adding mulch to a native planting may be useful in the first year to reduce erosion, deter weeds, and hold soil moisture. However, make sure to use a natural mulch such as non-dyed wood mulch or leaf litter, as dyes may harm plant and soil health. Mulching plants once should be enough because the plants will produce their own mulch as they drop leaves at the end of the growing season.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Why don’t you allow cultivars of native plants? 

Cultivars are bred to enhance human-desired traits such as shape, size, and color. A native cultivar (sometimes called a “nativar”) may be modified enough so that it no longer provides the same ecological benefits as the wild form of the native plant. Even minor changes in a native cultivar may cause pollinators such as butterflies and bees to no longer recognize it or to be unable to access its nectar or pollen. Cultivars also have less genetic diversity and if they escape into natural areas can negatively impact wild populations of that species.

The image shows two labels for Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa): the wild form with orange flowers and the cultivar 'Hello Yellow' with yellow flowers.

How do I tell if a native plant is a cultivar?

When shopping for native plants, avoid plants that have a variety name which is typically written inside single quotes. The examples on the right show the tops of plant tags for Butterfly Milkweed. The straight or wild form of milkweed does not have a variety name on the tag, whereas the cultivar has the variety name ‘Hello Yellow.’ If you shop with a nursery that specializes in native plants, they will likely not have cultivars.

 Why is plant diversity important for my project?

Native plants help protect water quality and also provide habitat for wildlife. More plant diversity results in better habitat quality in the form of food, shelter, and places to raise young. Pollinators that rely on nectar and pollen are especially vulnerable to low plant diversity. This is why we encourage you to select a variety of different species with bloom times distributed throughout the year (spring, summer, and fall). A good goal is to have at least 3 blooming species in each season.

Why do you encourage “messy gardening?”

When plants shed their leaves in autumn, the leaves fall on the ground and form a layer of leaf litter. This serves as a natural mulch that conserves soil moisture, provides homes and nest materials for wildlife, and enriches the soil through decomposition. Caterpillars, bumblebee queens, and other insects also rely on leaf litter to overwinter until late spring.

Project Planning Resources

Where to purchase native plants 

Picking out native plant species

Planning your project

Preparing your site

Maintaining your site

If offered a Mini-Cost Share Award, you will be asked to sign a Participant Agreement agreeing to follow the guidelines of the Mini-Cost Share Program. These guidelines are outlined below.

Native Plant Rules:

  • I will purchase native plants in their wild form. I understand that cultivars (cultivated varieties) of native plants are not permitted.
  • I will purchase native plants from a local, reliable native plant grower/vendor.
  • I will select plants appropriate for site conditions including sun exposure and soil moisture.
  • To the best of my ability, I will avoid plants that have been container-grown for more than a couple of years because these plants are usually less healthy and are more likely to have root or disease issues. Plugs are recommended.

Ecologically Friendly Maintenance:

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

Local Regulations:

  • I understand that I am responsible for ensuring my project follows all local laws and ordinances, including any restrictions on boulevard right-of-ways.

Acknowledgment:

  • I agree to install signage provided by RPBCWD acknowledging the project was partially funded by the Cost Share Program.
  • I agree that RPBCWD may reference my project and its location and may depict the project in text, photographs or other media.

Maintenance Commitment:

  • I understand I am required to maintain my project for at least two (2) years.

Reimbursement Request:

  • I understand that I am responsible for submitting my reimbursement request by November 30th of my application year.
  • I understand that I must include receipts in my reimbursement request. Items without a receipt are ineligible for reimbursement.
  • I understand that I will need to take before and after photos of my native planting to submit with my reimbursement request. 
  • I understand that at least 75% of my mini-cost share award must go towards the purchase of native plants or seeds. I understand that only eligible items may be submitted for reimbursement.