Kicking Off the Native Oasis: Together for a Greener Future
Sep 17, 2025
Native Oasis Kickoff! Over 200 participants braved the heat to launch 200 new Native Oasis plots—joining the 52 thriving plots from last year. Master Gardener mentors answered questions, volunteers kept things running smoothly, and participants picked up cardboard, pins, and mulch to start prepping their spaces. This winter the grass will break down, and next spring those plots will burst to life with native pollinator host and nectar plants.
Kicking Off the Native Oasis: Together for the Pollinators!
There was a buzz in the air at the Native Oasis Beta Group kickoff—literally and figuratively. Saturday was felt more mid-July than mid-September, but that didn't stop more than 200 people gathering to launch what promises to be a transformative effort across Linn County: the creation of 200 new native plant plots to support pollinators, biodiversity, and beautiful landscapes. With the help of dedicated volunteers and experienced Master Gardener mentors, participants took the first hands-on steps toward turning turf into oasis.
These 200 new plots will join 52 Native Oasis plots started last year, which are already thriving in their first season of growth. Together, they form the beginnings of a county-wide pollinator corridor—proof that small steps in many yards add up to something much larger.
Pictured to the right: We had a full house! Augie Bergstrom shares logistics with Native Oasis 2025 participants.
What is Native Oasis
Native Oasis, a program of Monarch Research, empowers Linn County homeowners to convert portions of their yards into native pollinator habitats. Participants commit to a three-year process: site preparation, planting native host and nectar plants, ongoing care, and mentorship. For a modest fee, homeowners receive expert guidance, resources (plants, critter protection, etc.), workshops—and the satisfaction of helping build a healthier landscape for both people and pollinators.
Pictured to the right: Master Gardener mentor, Pat, meets with her group.
What Happened at the Kickoff
Master Gardener Mentors Meet & Greet
Master Gardeners were on hand to walk through the designs of participants’ plots, answer questions, troubleshoot concerns, and offer expert advice. Their presence helped participants feel confident about where to start.Getting Ready: Site Prep Begins
The 200 plots are being put in, and many participants already started preparing their sites. On kickoff day, folks picked up supplies—landscape cardboard, pins, and mulch—to begin suppressing grass and weeds. Killing off the existing lawn now means cleaner ground for planting native pollinator-host and nectar plants in the spring.Hot Sun, High Spirits
It was a very warm day, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. Participants rolled up their sleeves, volunteers showed up in force, and there was this sense of shared purpose in the heat: turning ordinary lawn plots into thriving native landscapes.
Why This Matters
Biodiversity & Pollinators: Native host and nectar plants are essential for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. By converting lawn to native habitats, each plot contributes to a larger network of life.
Building Momentum: The 200 new plots add to the 52 thriving plots planted last year, showing that the program works and is growing rapidly.
Long-Term Impact: Through a three-year commitment, participants will not just plant, but nurture. This ensures greater survival of plants, healthier ecosystems, and stronger knowledge in the community.
Scalable Model: With over 250 plots now active, we’re not talking about one garden here and there—we’re talking about real scale. If all goes well, these efforts can ripple: more participants, more plots, stronger corridors for wildlife.
Join Us in Growing This Movement
If you’re in Linn County and curious about transforming part of your yard into habitat, watch for future dates. Native Oasis is about planting for pollinators—but also planting seeds in our community. Be part of the green wave.