A new Johnson County program will help homeowners in unincorporated Johnson County add pocket prairies to their landscapes. Eligible homeowners can apply online beginning July 1.

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

Approved participants must attend a workshop and commit to three years of maintenance to establish their prairies. The Prairie Pocket Program is one of three programs currently included in the Johnson County Soil Health Program.

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.

Interested homeowners can learn more and apply for the program at https://johnsoncountyiowa.gov/soilhealth. 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 Department at [email protected] or 319-356-6083.