Homeowners in unincorporated Johnson County are eligible for a program to add pocket prairies to their landscapes. Eligible homeowners can apply online beginning at 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 1.

The program is a collaboration between Johnson County and Master Gardeners of Johnson County. The program provides participants with technical guidance and enough pollinator plants to establish a 10’ by 10’ pollinator garden.

Prairie plants provide habitat and food for insects and animals, while the plants’ deep root systems help improve soil health. Healthy soil can better infiltrate rainfall and keep pollutants out of creeks and streams.

Approved participants must attend a workshop and commit to three years of maintenance to establish their prairies.

Interested homeowners can learn more and apply for the program at https://johnsoncountyiowa.gov/JoCoPPP. Approval for participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact Kasey Hutchinson, environmental regulations coordinator, or Becky Soglin, sustainability coordinator, in the Johnson County Planning, Development and Sustainability (PDS) Department at [email protected] or 319-356-6083.