MANSFIELD — The Native Yard Project, a local non-profit environmental organization, and Mansfield Permaculture, an ecological landscaping company, are collaborating to offer native plant micro grants and mini lawn conversion grants to residents of Mansfield and surrounding communities.
These grants aim to help offset the cost of establishing a native plant meadow, prairie, or flower bed. Grants may also be used to purchase native shrubs and trees.
This is the third year that The Native Yard Project, supported by The North Central Ohio Land Conservancy, will be offering grants to the community. However, this is the first year of collaboration with Mansfield Permaculture.
Mansfield Permaculture will be donating their talent and labor to design and install a mini lawn conversion for two grantees (in addition to funding for the purchase of plants, provided by The Native Yard Project Grant).
As in years past, the grants are exclusively for the purchase of plants native to Ohio. Native plants have historically been excluded from urban landscaping, contributing to the biodiversity crisis (mass extinction of pollinators and other wildlife).
Incorporating native plant species into the urban landscape can help support disappearing insects – which are critical for a functioning ecosystem. To learn more/apply click here or email nativeyardproject@gmail.com.
Application deadline is March 15.