Applicants should contact the program staff at least 30 days prior to the application due date.
Applications must be emailed to administration@wildones.org
The purpose of this program is to support the purchase of native seeds and plants for projects that will enhance and develop youth appreciation for nature. Projects must involve students and volunteers in all phases of development, and increase the educational value of the site. Projects may be at the conceptual or groundbreaking stage, or expand or renovate an existing project. Projects must utilize and provide education about native plants and the native plant community. The native plants must be appropriate for the local ecoregion and the site conditions (soil, water, and sunlight).
Projects must demonstrate the following characteristics:
- Youth engagement in planning and doing age-appropriate activities
- Creation of an ecosystem community based on native plants
- Focus on hands-on educational activities
- Additional information on required project characteristics can be found on page 1 of the Guide file.
Eligible project activities include:
- Designing, establishing, and maintaining a native plant community in an educational setting, such as prairie, woodland, or wetland, or in an educational setting such as an outdoor classroom
- Developing an interpretive trail landscaped with native plant communities
- Establishing a wetland area to study the effect of native vegetation on water quality improvement
- Priority will be given to projects showing children’s ideas, drawings, and research, rather than those that showcase the polished work of adults.
- Successful projects will incorporate multiple learning concepts and involve multiple teachers.
Examples of previously supported projects include:
- A wildflower garden that features nectar and larval plants for butterflies and other pollinators
- A grove of native shrubs and trees that provide food and shelter for songbirds
- A wetland edge; for example, part of a man-made stormwater detention basin or drainage channel
- A xeric landscape featuring cacti, succulents, and other plants that are native to the local area
- A prairie restoration or meadow area
- A nature trail through existing wildlife habitat
- A woodland area managed with attention to woodland wildflowers or native shrubs
Award recipients are encouraged to work with a nursery partner of the funding agency for seeds and plants. Information on nursery partners is available online at www.wildones.org/seeds-for-education/seeds-for-education-background-and-history/seeds-for-education-nursery-partners.
Funds may be used for the purchase of plants and seeds only.
Program Office Notes:
The program officer confirmed that award notification will be provided by February 15, 2018, and that awards will be distributed thereafter.