1,000 Acre Plan
The 1,000 Acres Pollinator Initiative is transforming public lands across Linn County into vibrant pollinator habitats, ensuring a future where bees, butterflies, and other vital species can thrive. Through a collaborative effort with local governments and support from Monarch Research, the program restores parks, trails, and golf courses with native prairie plantings, creating spaces that nurture biodiversity and beauty.
Restoring Pollinator Habitat: A Community-Wide Effort
This public-private partnership between the City of Cedar Rapids, City of Marion, and Linn County has grown beyond its initial vision. Launched in 2017, the program set out to restore 1,000 acres of public land—spanning parks, trails, and golf courses—into thriving pollinator habitats by 2020. Thanks to its success, the program has surpassed expectations, transforming over 1,200 acres and continuing to expand. With funding from MRP for seed and other supplies, this collaborative effort is bringing biodiversity back to our landscapes.
Why Is the 1,000 Acre Plan Important?
Over the past 15 years, more than half of the pollinator habitat in the United States has been lost. This dramatic decline in habitat is a significant driver behind the population decreases of essential pollinators, including bees and the North American migrating monarch butterfly. Without pollinators, our agricultural economies, food supply, and natural ecosystems face devastating consequences. By restoring and expanding these vital habitats, the program plays a critical role in supporting the pollinators that sustain our way of life.
Where Can You See the Plan In Action?
Over the program’s first five years (2017–2021), the focus was on converting public lands from underutilized spaces into lush, pollinator-friendly environments. Today, the success of this initiative can be seen in parks, golf courses, and other areas, such as stormwater detention basins, utility department lands, airport properties, and road rights-of-way.
- Parks: Bever Park, Beverly Park, Cherry Hill Park, Lowe Park, Matsell Pine and Prairie Trail, Morgan Creek Park, Noelridge Park, Jones, Park, Pinicon Ridge Park, Seminole Valley Park, Squaw Creek Park, Sun Valley Park, Tuma Skyhawks, Waldo’s Rock Park, Wickiup Hill
- Golf Courses: Ellis Golf Course, Gardner Golf Course, Twin Pines Golf Course
This ongoing project is a testament to what’s possible when communities come together to prioritize sustainability and environmental restoratio
By focusing on creating diverse ecosystems that support bees, butterflies, and other crucial pollinators, Linn County is not only safeguarding the future of local agriculture but also enriching the landscape for generations to come. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Conservation Board's mission to protect natural resources, promote health and wellness, and increase environmental awareness
The Linn County Conservation Department maintains over 647 acres of pollinator prairies installed as part of the 1,000 Acre Plan. See information about each of the plots on their well documented website.
