Seed A Legacy makes it easy for the owners and managers of private, public and corporate lands to create pollinator projects that make a difference.The program works to establish pollinator projects following our NextGen Habitat Project designs that are documented to provide increased pollinator benefits over other pollinator conservation programs.
Each project has two separate plantings: one for Monarch butterflies and one for honey bees. |
The look and function of your project in the future is directly related to the amount of effort you put into site preparation
How to submit Your Application
The Seed A Legacy Pollinator Habitat Program works with private, public and corporate landowners and managers to establish high-quality pollinator habitat to improve the health of honey bees, monarch butterflies and other pollinators in a 12-state region of the Midwest. We will expand to more states in the future, but for now we only offer the Seed A Legacy program in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. If you are not located in one of these states check back with us for future expansion!
Sites that are a minimum of 2 acres and ready to be planted with existing vegetation fully terminated are typically accepted. Check out our Pollinator Habitat Establishment and Management Guide for site preparation information. Applications being submitted with existing vegetation on them are encouraged to apply and we will contact you to discuss optimal site preparation options.
Seed A Legacy program applications can be submitted all year long. Each application is considered using key criteria to ensure the best projects are selected. Factors influencing selection include site preparation, previous cropping history, proximity to an apiary, current condition of the site, and other considerations.
If you have questions about your application or site preparation, please contact us at info@beeandbutterflyfund.org.
Sites that are a minimum of 2 acres and ready to be planted with existing vegetation fully terminated are typically accepted. Check out our Pollinator Habitat Establishment and Management Guide for site preparation information. Applications being submitted with existing vegetation on them are encouraged to apply and we will contact you to discuss optimal site preparation options.
Seed A Legacy program applications can be submitted all year long. Each application is considered using key criteria to ensure the best projects are selected. Factors influencing selection include site preparation, previous cropping history, proximity to an apiary, current condition of the site, and other considerations.
If you have questions about your application or site preparation, please contact us at info@beeandbutterflyfund.org.
Applications can be submitted any time. You will be asked when you want to plant so apply early so we can provide guidance on your site preparation! Check out our Pollinator Habitat Establishment and Management Guide for site preparation information.
Applications are only accepted for projects in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Prior to submitting an online application, please take the time to fully review and consider the Seed A Legacy program guidelines (pdf). While the program strives to be flexible and open to working with the many private, public and corporate land opportunities to develop high-quality pollinator habitat, we also want to make sure you clearly understand and consider how this program works and what the objectives are. |
Step 1
Review the following documents (make sure your pop-up blocker is off)
Program Flyer
Program Guidelines
Program Objectives
Seed Mixture Design Guidelines
Sample Landowner Agreement
How to read the tags on your seed order
Step 2
Collect the information needed to complete your application
(Download a checklist here)
Step 3
Find an apiary near you and review the seed mixtures for your state
Review the following documents (make sure your pop-up blocker is off)
Program Flyer
Program Guidelines
Program Objectives
Seed Mixture Design Guidelines
Sample Landowner Agreement
How to read the tags on your seed order
Step 2
Collect the information needed to complete your application
(Download a checklist here)
Step 3
Find an apiary near you and review the seed mixtures for your state
Step 4
Fill out our Online Application
Applications can be submitted year-round.
You will receive an email confirmation.
You will then be contacted by our Habitat Program Coordinator after your application is reviewed, usually within 2-4 weeks.
Please contact us with questions or to schedule a call to talk with a biologist about your proposed project, info@beeandbutterflyfund.org
Fill out our Online Application
Applications can be submitted year-round.
You will receive an email confirmation.
You will then be contacted by our Habitat Program Coordinator after your application is reviewed, usually within 2-4 weeks.
Please contact us with questions or to schedule a call to talk with a biologist about your proposed project, info@beeandbutterflyfund.org
What if I'm not in the 12 state region? What can I do to help pollinators?
Everyone can help pollinators!
Plant pollinator-friendly flowers in your yard.
Donate: Every dollar raised means more pollinator habitat created.
Help promote our efforts: Please like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIN.
Become a corporate sponsor: With proven results, our NextGen Habitat Projects are making a difference for honey bees, monarch butterflies, and other native pollinators.
Everyone can help pollinators!
Plant pollinator-friendly flowers in your yard.
Donate: Every dollar raised means more pollinator habitat created.
Help promote our efforts: Please like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIN.
Become a corporate sponsor: With proven results, our NextGen Habitat Projects are making a difference for honey bees, monarch butterflies, and other native pollinators.
Information Needed for Your Seed A Legacy Application
Collect the information needed to complete your application including:
- Two (2) Aerial Photos (you may be able to obtain the two aerial photos requested showing your project location from your local USDA office or using an application like Google Earth):
- An aerial photo of the site location with the project/property area clearly marked.
- An aerial photo showing the location of the project/property area and including 1.5 miles of the landscape in each direction surrounding the proposed project.
- Three (3) Site Photos: Photos that clearly show the proposed habitat project site to assess the current site condition. Ground level photos of the existing vegetation are needed so we can see the existing cover. (See instructions below on a mobile camera app that would provide both your photos and your UTM coordinates at the same time).
Examples of Arial Site Photos:
Examples of Site Photos:
- UTM Coordinates (Universal Transverse Mercator) for your site. (View a video here to learn how to find your UTM coordinates). Find your UTM coordinates at this website. Or download a mobile app called GPS Map Camera: Geotab Photos, this app allows you to take pictures on site and the UTM will be embedded into the photo (the mobile app is preferred as it gives more accurate locations).
- Calculate your acres more accurately by downloading the mobile app called Field Area Measure. Simply set your points and walk or drive the perimeter to your field.
- Location of the nearest apiary to the proposed site.
- Records of crops planted and herbicides used in the past two years on the proposed site.
- Contact, shipping, and general site information.