Residents Encouraged to Take Part in the 'Mowing to Monarchs' Initiative in Dubuque County
Transform Your Lawn into a Pollinator Haven with Dubuque County's Mowing to Monarchs Program
The Dubuque County Conservation's Mowing to Monarchs program is inviting local landowners to join a movement that aims to create vital habitats for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. This initiative, launched in 2020, has already supported nearly 500 pollinator projects across Dubuque County [1].
By participating in the Mowing to Monarchs program, residents can help transform their traditional turfgrass lawns into native pollinator habitats known as pocket prairies or prairie meadows. These habitats not only provide essential resources for monarch butterflies but also enhance neighborhood beauty, reduce maintenance needs, and increase landscape resilience [4].
Why Join Mowing to Monarchs?
The benefits of the program include the establishment of native pollinator gardens with a preselected mix of native plants or seeds, educational support from Dubuque County Conservation staff and Iowa State University Extension Master Gardeners, access to workshops, planting guides, private coaching, and some funding, and the opportunity to contribute to environmental conservation and a sense of shared impact [1].
Requirements for Participation
To be eligible for the Mowing to Monarchs program, Dubuque County landowners must own land, commit to a three-year stewardship using the "Sleep, Creep, Leap" growth model, have a well-drained planting site, and be willing to communicate with the coaching team and share progress [1].
Program Options
The program offers two options: Native Pockets, which are small (about 100 sq ft) garden kits available in multiple sunlight and height configurations, and Prairie Meadows, larger native seed mixes for spaces up to 2 acres [1].
How to Apply
Interested Dubuque County landowners can apply online via the Dubuque County Conservation website's form center. The program encourages early application since it is growing and accepting new participants [1]. The deadline for Mowing to Monarchs 2025 applications is August 26th. To apply, visit this link: https://www.dubuquecountyiowa.gov/FormCenter/Conservation-4/Mowing-to-Monarchs-202526-86
Join the Mowing to Monarchs movement today and make a difference for monarch butterflies and other pollinators in Dubuque County.
- Interested individuals from Dubuque County can contribute to environmental conservation efforts and help create vital habitats for monarch butterflies by joining the Mowing to Monarchs program.
- Participants in the Mowing to Monarchs program can transform their traditional turfgrass lawns into native pollinator habitats known as pocket prairies or prairie meadows, which provide essential resources for various pollinators.
- The benefits of the Mowing to Monarchs program include access to educational support from Dubuque County Conservation staff and Iowa State University Extension Master Gardeners, as well as opportunities for workshops, planting guides, private coaching, and funding.
- To be eligible for the Mowing to Monarchs program, Dubuque County landowners must own land, commit to a three-year stewardship using the "Sleep, Creep, Leap" growth model, have a well-drained planting site, and be open to communication with the coaching team and progress sharing.
