apply NOW FOR the annual pollinator seed grant
DEADLINE: July 7

We are working with land stewards across the state who are ready to restore an acre or more of pollinator habitat. We invite nature centers, conservancies, parks, tribal lands, and other large land stewards to apply for this grant. See details below.

Valued at $1,125, the Pollinator Oasis Seed Grant provides seed for a minimum of one acre and includes 28 native wildflower species. Our grants typically range from one to two acres of seed.

Eligibility Requirements

• The installation location must be at least one acre of medium to well-drained soil that receives 6 or more hours of sunlight each day.

• The site must be on protected land without risk of future development. For example, local parks, state and national parks, preserves, conservancies, and nature centers.

• You must be able to provide a site preparation plan that will be implemented during late fall, early winter, or early spring 2027. Please specify the timing for your seed installation project on the application form.

• Please include the installation site address with your submission.

• Please provide the name and contact information for your habitat restoration project manager.

  Key Dates

  • The deadline to submit your application is July 7, 2026

  • Seed Grant recipients will be notified by July 17, 2026

  If you have questions, please contact us at saveohiobees@gmail.com.
  
  

• NOTE: Schools, businesses, villages, and residential homeowners are not eligible for this grant. If you are a private landowner and would like to establish wildlife habitat on your land, we encourage you to explore the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Partners Program. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, corporations, schools, local governments, and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat. LEARN MORE HERE.

Use the seed grant form to apply. You will be able to upload up to 5 files, including documents and images, with your application form.

Seed Info

• Seed sowing: Mid-November to early January for fall or winter sowing; March to May for spring sowing.

• Soil types: Best sown in medium to well-drained soil.

• Flower colors: Yellow, purple, pink, green, orange, and white.

• Height: Up to 3 to 5 feet.

• Bloom time: Spring through fall.

• Attracts: Native bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, birds, hummingbirds, and other beneficial wildlife.

Pollinator Oasis Seed Species

Purple Coneflower, Partridge Pea, Illinois Bundleflower, Indian Blanket, Ox Eye Sunflower, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Purple Prairie Clover, Yellow Coneflower, Blanket Flower, Black-Eyed Susan, Wild Bergamot (Bee Balm), Butterfly Weed, Common Milkweed, Canadian Vetch, Prairie Ironweed, Rattlesnake Master, Rose Milkweed, White Prairie Clover, Anise Hyssop, Golden Alexander, Smooth Aster, Old Field Goldenrod, Sky Blue Aster, Tall Coreopsis, New England Aster, Hoary Mountain Mint, Stiff Goldenrod, and Prairie Blazingstar.

YOUR SITE PREP PLAN

Seed germination requires direct contact with the soil and limited competition from non-native plants and heavy thatch, so site preparation is one of the most important aspects of any successful native seed project. Site preparation can be achieved through various techniques, including solarization, tilling, herbicide use, and a controlled burn. If you have the resources and an experienced team, or access to a certified Fire Ecology, Management & Technology professional, site prep may include a controlled burn followed by an additional weed suppression option like solarization or specialized herbicide application.

Here are some ideas for site prep, courtesy of OPN Seed