News : Introducing Adopt-a-Prairie in Benton County!

What is the Benton County Adopt-A-Prairie Program?
Benton County has been fortunate enough to receive native seed from the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Federal Grant. The Benton County Roadside Department is looking to collaborate with landowners around rural Benton County who would be interested in teaming up to provide a suitable location to establish native plants in the right-of-way.

Who qualifies for this program?
Any landowner in rural Benton County who would like a native planting in their adjacent, Benton County-managed right-of-way and is willing to follow some basic guidelines on maintaining it with the help of county roadside staff. Rights-of-way that are managed by the Iowa DOT or within city limits are not eligible for this program.

PROCEDURES FOR ROADWAY PRAIRIE ADOPTION
    + All applications are subject to approval by the Benton County Roadside Vegetation Manager.
    + Upon approval of an applicant, the county will meet with the landowner and discuss the work plan and the projected prairie reconstruction date.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
     IRM Staff
          + Establishing if the area is suitable to sustain a native planting
          + Total vegetation removal through non selective herbicide and prescribed fire
          + Seedbed preparation
          + Seeding of native plants and a cover crop
          + Sign installation
          + Establishment mowing or burning as needed through the first 3 years
     Landowner
          + Complete and sign Established Prairie Continued Management Agreement
          + Weeding and mowing as needed after year 3 within contract guidelines
          + Pay the associated $50.00 fee after application is approved and prior to planting

Benton County IRM is only able to take on a limited number of applications in a growing season depending on weather, length of seeding window, workflow, and staff availability. With that in mind, your site is not guaranteed to be selected for this program. IRM Staff will look to pick the sites best suited to maximize success of plantings and acres covered.

Characteristics of a good site for selection
     + Large Areas
     + Ease of access for large equipment
     + Proper drainage in selected area
Characteristics of a site not likely to be selected
     + Overly small areas
     + Steep slopes
     + Poor drainage
     + Landowner having conflicts with the establishment process