“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 DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “DCNR is proud to offer this free resource so more people can explore native planting and take meaningful steps toward creating healthier landscapes at home.”
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.
Each Pocket Meadow Kit will include:
-- Native seed mix suitable for up to 1,000 square feet, including native grasses and wildflowers that typically grow to about four feet tall, plus annual rye and cosmos for early cover.
-- Printed guides that outline site selection, lawn removal, seeding steps, and multi‑year meadow maintenance, including basic guidance on preparing the site, spreading and pressing in the seed, and managing vegetation during establishment.
A total of 300 kits will be distributed statewide, with 100 kits offered in three regions.
Registration will open at 9:00 a.m. on the following dates:
-- Central Region, April 21, Register for Central Region kits
-- Western Region, April 23, Register for Western Region kits
-- Eastern Region, April 28, Register for Eastern Region kits
Residents seeking help with larger lawn-to-habitat projects may qualify for additional DCNR programs.
The statewide Lawn to Habitat Program offers technical assistance, planning support, and educational resources, and Community and Watershed Forestry grants are available for application by eligible county and municipal governments, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions.
Click Here for DCNR’s announcement.
Visit DCNR's Request Help Converting Your Lawn To Habitat webpage for more information.
Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.
Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website. Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter.
Related Articles This Week:
-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Celebrates 250 Years Of Freedom To Explore With 250 Celebrations Bingo In Our State Parks, Forests [PaEN]
-- US Army Corps Of Engineers Seeks Public Input On Future Of Kinzua Dam, Allegheny Reservoir Master Plan In Warren County [PaEN]
-- DEP Launches 2026 Black Fly Suppression Program Across 1,800 Miles Of PA Waterways
NewsClips:
-- Williamsport Sun: Friends Of Bald Eagle Valley Trail Inviting New Members, Thank Clinton County Commissioners For Support
-- Morning Call: Brush Fire Breaks Out On Blue Mountain Near Lehigh Gap Nature Center
-- Morning Call: Blue Mountain Brush Fire Mostly Contained Near Lehigh Gap Nature Center
-- PennLive: Fire Crews Return For 3rd Day To Site Of Stubborn Wildfire In Franklin County
-- Penn State Extension Spotted Lanternfly News: Business Inspections Resume; Management Guide: What To Look For; Learning Opportunities
[Posted: April 16, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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