Free Pocket Meadow Kits are currently available to residents across the Commonwealth according to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

These small meadow plantings provide environmental benefits for communities by improving stormwater absorption, supporting pollinators, and reducing long-term lawn maintenance, according to the DCNR.

“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,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “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.”

Through DCNR’s Lawn to Habitat Program, free kits will be available to help residents convert small areas of lawn into native meadow habitat. A total of 300 kits will be distributed statewide, with 100 kits offered in three regions.

Registration is underway right now for those living in the central region, as well as for the western region and on Tuesday, April 28, it will be available for the eastern region. According to the map provided by DCNR, Cambria and Clearfield counties are in the western region, while Bedford, Blair, Centre and Huntingdon counties are in the central region.

Applications will close at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 1. Kits are expected to ship during the week of May 11.

Each kit will include:

n 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.

n 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.

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 be established 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.

The 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. Lawn-to-meadow conversions offer a meaningful way to support cleaner water across the Commonwealth.

These plantings reduce polluted runoff, improve soil health, and provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

The Pocket Meadow initiative supports Pennsylvania’s leadership in Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts.

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.

For reminders about application dates and more details on the kits, follow DCNR on social media and visit the Lawn to Habitat Program webpage at pa.gov/services/dcnr/request-help-converting-your-lawn-to-a-meadow.