How to Get the Pollinator Garden Grant Program

What you get

Yard Ethic's Pollinator Garden Grant Program, administered by the James River Basin Partnership, is open to individual homeowners (as well as neighborhoods, community gardens, schools, cities, and parks) in the Springfield/Greene County area who want to plant and maintain native plants. Approved applicants receive native plants and mulch valued up to $500 per garden, purchased directly by the Missouri Department of Conservation rather than reimbursed as cash. There is no online application portal; applicants apply by contacting the program directly (Yard Ethic / James River Basin Partnership; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: Up to $500 in native plants and mulch, purchased directly by the Missouri Department of Conservation (in-kind, not a cash reimbursement)

Are you eligible?

• Be a Yard Ethic (James River Basin Partnership), funded by the Missouri Department of Conservation customer
• Property located in: Springfield
• Open to individual homeowners as well as neighborhoods, community gardens, schools, and parks
• Apply by contacting Clarissa Hatley directly (no online application portal)
• Approved projects receive native plants and mulch purchased directly by MDC, not cash reimbursement

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to Yard Ethic (James River Basin Partnership), funded by the Missouri Department of Conservation and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.