First-of-its-kind Wildlife Habitat Grant Creates 761,905 Square Feet of New Habitat in Central Oklahoma

 

Oklahoma City, OK – [August 19, 2025] — Due to pesticide use, habitat loss and climate change, Oklahoma’s native insect and bird populations have been rapidly declining. To address this issue, the Oklahoma Association of Conservation District’s Yard by Yard program and Oklahoma Monarch Society’s Okies for Monarchs program launched a first-of-its-kind Wildlife Habitat Grant program in Oklahoma, Canadian and Cleveland counties. Funding for this program was generously provided by the Kirkpatrick Foundation, whose support made this new conservation effort possible. 

The demand for native habitat projects is clear: the grant program received 216 applications spanning residential, commercial, public, and farm sites. In the end, 33 projects were funded, resulting in the creation of 761,905 square feet of new habitat and the planting of 3,809 native plants across residential yards, farms, apartment courtyards, and one welcoming public park.

Each grantee received $525 per 100 square feet to install between 100 and 1,000 square feet of habitat. Funded projects followed clear ecological guidelines, including:

  • No use of chemical herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides
  • One native plant for every two square feet
  • At least three blooming wildflowers for each growing season (spring, summer, and fall)
  • A minimum of three native pollinator host plants
  • One native woody species per project

Participants also received technical support, design resources, plant selections, and a list of native plant nurseries and landscapers.

If You Build It, They Will Come

“At our farm, we choose to garden with native plants because we try to live and work with nature—not fight against it,” they shared. “As we’ve added native plants to our farm, we’ve seen an increase in native critters of all sorts—mammals, insects, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Native plants increase our sense of wonder and connection to the land.” said Amy Brock and Crysta Haskins of Sun Buckle Farm in Lexington. 

Toads, frogs, hummingbirds, moths, wasps, dragonflies, butterflies, bees, and even a bird called the Eastern Phoebe have all found their way to the farm — with the Eastern Phoebe frequently using a cedar post as its favorite hunting perch. “We can’t wait to see what shows up during the Monarch migration!” they added.

Over in Calumet, at Pugh Gardens, owners Daniel and Ruthie Pugh witnessed a similarly vibrant transformation just one month after completing their project. Several butterfly species—Monarch, Queen, Gulf Fritillary, Cloudless Sulphur, Red Admiral, and more—quickly began visiting. Dragonflies now abound, hummingbirds feed on newly planted sages and blooms, and tiny skinks scurry among the plantings, adding a sense of wonder to the vibrant habitat.

Creating Habitat and Community

But the impact wasn’t just ecological—it was social. In Mustang, Kassidi and Omar Zarate said the project quickly sparked neighborhood interest.

“We’ve had multiple neighbors stop by to discuss the project since the first few days we started,” they shared. “Everyone showed excitement and enthusiasm for what was to come. This led to discussions about pollinators and the initiatives we were taking—with genuine interest. Since completion, it’s been an outpouring of praise and adoration.”

In Oklahoma City, Matt Cronin and Chris Patton shared a similar story:

“Through this project, we’ve met so many neighbors!” they said. “Some walk over to check it out, others drive by just to see the progress. We’re noticing genuine curiosity and intrigue. People are excited to ask questions and learn about our practices—and are also excited to come hang out in the gardens once our pathways are completed.”

Grants in the Ground

The 33 funded projects were spread across Norman, Yukon, Edmond, Nichols Hills, The Village, Forest Park, Mustang, Lexington, Calumet, and Oklahoma City.

Upon completion, participants submitted receipts for native plant purchases and registered their new wildlife habitats with Okies for Monarchs, ensuring both transparency and long-term success. This funding has not only increased biodiversity across yards, farms, gardens, and parks, but it has also fostered a deeper sense of community. Neighbors have connected through these revitalized wild spaces—sharing knowledge, sparking curiosity, and celebrating the return of native wildlife.

Why It Matters

This program shows that with a little support, everyday people can create real change—restoring biodiversity, supporting wildlife, and bringing communities together.

“We had a large area on a busy street we wanted to turn into a native showcase,” said the Zarates. “This grant made it possible. It’s amazing what happens when you give nature a chance.”

In the end, the Wildlife Habitat Grant program has proven that creating habitat is about more than planting seeds—it's about planting the roots of connection, stewardship, and hope for a healthier, more vibrant future.

 

About Okies for Monarchs


Okies for Monarchs is an education initiative of the Oklahoma Monarch & Pollinator Collaborative, a statewide group of 60+ organizations and citizens working together to ensure thriving Monarch migrations for generations to come. Learn more by visiting okiesformonarchs.org.

 

About Yard by Yard or Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts

 

The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) is a private, non-profit organization representing the 84 state appropriated and 5 tribal conservation districts to enhance the natural resources for a better Oklahoma. We drive initiatives that include educational programs, conservation efforts, and community outreach, all aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship across the state. okconservation.org

 

The Yard by Yard Community Resiliency Project recognizes and encourages urban citizens participating in good stewardship practices. Whole neighborhoods coming together for the greater good can absolutely add strength, health, and resilience to our city. Wonderful and impactful things will happen. You will get to enjoy wildlife neighbors like birds, butterflies, and bees. Get your yard certified today! 

 

Learn more at https://www.okconservation.org/yard-by-yard-grounds-by-grounds