Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forums 2026
Schedule
Sun Feb 08 2026 at 02:00 pm to 04:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
Iowa City Public Library | Iowa City, IA
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The popularity of pocket prairies marks a significant shift toward citizen-led conservation and ecologically vibrant home landscapes. Native plants offer benefits that turfgrass simply can’t match—improved habitat, richer soil, cleaner water, and dramatically better support for pollinators, birds, and home-grown food. In short, pocket prairies bring nature home.The public is invited to hear Kasey Hutchinson, Johnson County’s Environmental Regulations Coordinator and Pocket Prairie Program (PPP) administrator, present “Creating a Pocket Prairie in Your Landscape” at the Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. in the Iowa City Public Library.
The Johnson County program, modeled after Dubuque’s successful Mowing to Monarchs initiative, took root in the Department of Planning, Development & Sustainability (PDS). PPP quickly flourished and is now in its second year. A similar program in Linn County followed. Together, the two counties have welcomed nearly 400 participating households since both programs launched in 2024.
The need is urgent: declining pollinator populations threaten Iowa’s expanding local food system. Even small native plantings in urban settings can bolster ecological resilience and encourage healthier agricultural practices.
Participants in the inaugural PPP class reported seeing more pollinators this past summer and described the experience as deeply rewarding. Organizers hope these early adopters will “pay it forward” by sharing their knowledge to help pocket prairie communities continue to grow.
Project GREEN and the Iowa City Public Library have partnered for many years to offer educational forums. Project GREEN garden forums are free and open to the public. The presentation will also stream live on the Iowa City Public Library’s YouTube channel, The Library Channel.
Attendance qualifies Iowa State University Extension Master Gardeners for continuing education hours.
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Where is it happening?
Iowa City Public Library, 123 S Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52240-1803, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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