Homeowners are reminded in springtime how little most of them enjoy mowing. April showers might very well bring May flowers, but they also cause the grass to grow at an exorbitant rate.
State conservation officials are aiming to help homeowners cut down on mowing, while also helping native flora and fauna, through their “Pocket Meadow Kit” initiative.
Starting April 23, residents can apply to receive one of 300 free “pocket meadow kits,” which contain enough native wildflower seed to plant about 1,000 square feet. Conservation officials divided the state into three equal parts and will distribute 100 kits in each.
“Pocket Meadow Kits give residents a simple and accessible way to transform small areas of lawn into thriving native habitat that supports pollinators, improves stormwater absorption and strengthens biodiversity in communities across Pennsylvania,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Kits are designed for fall planting, when cooler temperatures and natural moisture support successful meadow establishment. This timeline also allows landowners to prepare their planting areas throughout the 2026 growing season — especially important for those using organic site-prep methods, which require a full season of preparation — so that the meadow can establish in 2027. Starting land use must be lawn in order to convert it to a meadow, and participants will need to store the provided seed in a refrigerator until they are ready to plant.
“Our yards can serve as really important habitat for native birds, bees, pollinators and wildlife,” said Chris Bason, executive director at the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. “Doing this in your backyard sounds like such a small thing, but you’re creating your own living work of art, your own little environment, and it works to bring in new species every time. It’s really a beneficial act for people to think about doing.”
The Pocket Meadow Kits are intended for Pennsylvanians ready to replace a portion of their lawn with native habitat. They are a good fit for people interested in reducing mowing, creating wildlife-friendly spaces, converting a small area of lawn, or trying a manageable meadow project before moving on to something larger.
While exotic flowers might grab attention, native species that co-evolved with local wildlife serve a much more important function, according to Bason.
“Things that didn’t evolve here with our wildlife might support only a few species with food or habitat,” he said. “Research on the ginkgo tree, which is a common ornamental planted in urban environments, showed that it only provided food for a couple of species. But if you look at something like a native oak tree, that can support literally hundreds of different insect species.”
Vickie Babyak of Dravosburg said she loves the look of her yard now that she’s spent a few growing seasons adding native plants to it.
Babyak is enrolled in the Audubon Society’s Certified Backyard Habitat program, working with the society to develop a plan for incorporating more native species on her property.
“I’ve noticed a lot more bees and other pollinators coming into my yard, which is wonderful,” Babyak said. “And I’ve noticed some birds that weren’t around much before, like blue jays and more black-capped chickadees.”
Western Pennsylvania residents can apply for one of the kits by visiting PA.gov/services/dcnr and entering “pocket meadow kits” in the search box.
“It makes me feel good,” Babyak said of filling her yard with the plants that are supposed to be there. “I feel like I’m doing something to help preserve our native plants and wildlife.”