Native Oasis

Native Oasis

We are excited to offer the Native Oasis Pollinator Patch Program to Linn County residents! Our pilot started in August 2024, with fifty seven home owners in Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha and our surrounding communities working with Monarch Research and Linn County Master Gardeners to transform approximately 120 square feet of their yards into an attractive native pollinator habitat. Since then, we have helped over 250 homeowners transform portions of their yard into beautiful, thriving sanctuaries for pollinators and wildlife - and we're still growing! 2026 marks our third year of the program (NO3), which officially kicks off this October. 

What's a Native Oasis? Imagine your yard buzzing with life!

Native Oasis empowers homeowners in Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, and greater Linn County to transform a 120-square-foot section of their lawn into a thriving pollinator patch. Through expert guidance, hands-on support, and high-value native plants, you'll create a beautiful space that nurtures butterflies, bees, and other vital pollinators such as beetles, flies, and birds.

This program is a collaboration between Monarch Research and Linn County Master Gardeners, as well as the cities of Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Linn County. It is designed to build biodiversity, beautiful neighborhoods, and connect individual gardens into a larger network of habitat restoration.

How it works:

To participate, you'll need to be a homeowner in Linn County and have a basic idea for where you'd like a native plant area in your yard - that's it!

For just $80 (a $320 value), you'll receive everything you need for your Native Oasis: site preparation materials, native plants, critter protection, expert mentorship, and more. This program asks for a three-year commitment to help your plants thrive over time and requires that your yard is suitable for planting, with no areas of standing or pooled water. You'll also have the chance to attend workshops led by experts to learn valuable tips and guidance. Collaboration is key - your mentor will provide planting advice, and your feedback will help us improve the program for future participants (maybe your neighbors!)

Program Timeline:

• Spring/Summer: Register for the program! You may purchase up to two plots; each plot is $80.
• Early Fall: Attend the Native Oasis Kickoff Event; this is where you will pick up your site prep materials (cardboard and mulch), learn more about what to expect as a participant, and meet your Master Gardener mentor.
• Fall: Prep your site! Lay down your cardboard and cover with mulch in the designated garden space in your yard.
• Winter to Early Spring: While the cardboard and mulch work its magic, watch your inbox for regular updates from the Native Oasis team.
• Late Spring/Early Summer: Pick up your plant plugs for planting!
• Years 2-3: We'll send regular news and updates via email that will help you as you nurture your Native Oasis! Your Master Gardener mentor will also be available for check-ins, questions, and help.

Your Commitment:

Creating a thriving native pollinator garden is a journey of transformation - both for the land and for you as a gardener. The three-year development typically follows a natural rhythm known as Sleep, Creep, Leap which reflects how native plants establish themselves over time. Here's how it unfolds:

YEAR ONE: SLEEP - LAYING THE GROUNDWORK

• This is the foundation year. The garden may not look impressive yet, but critical underground work is happening.
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YEAR TWO: CREEP - SLOW BUT STEADY GROWTH

• Plants begin to emerge more confidently, but the garden still looks modest.
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YEAR THREE: LEAP - FULL BLOOM AND BIODIVERSTIY

• This is the payoff year! Your garden bursts into life and becomes a true oasis for pollinators.