Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program

The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program is administered by Wild Ones Natural Landscapers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally sound landscaping practices and the use of native plants. The program was established in 1996 by the organization’s board of directors and is named after Lorrie Otto, a founding figure whose lifelong work focused on fostering appreciation and stewardship of nature among people of all ages. For nearly three decades, the program has been supported by donors and members, with the goal of connecting youth to native ecosystems through hands on educational experiences. The primary purpose of the program is to provide resources that enable schools and youth serving organizations to establish native plant gardens and outdoor learning environments. These projects are designed to support biodiversity while also serving as educational tools that engage young people directly in environmental stewardship. Eligible project types include pollinator gardens, rain gardens, prairie and meadow plantings, monarch habitats, outdoor classrooms, sensory gardens, woodland restoration, and native tree and shrub installations. Projects that focus on vegetable gardening or non native plants are explicitly excluded, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on ecological restoration and native species. Funding is most commonly provided in the form of native plant awards rather than direct cash grants. Plants are distributed to recipients through a fulfillment partner, and selections are customized based on each project’s characteristics. Factors such as site size, regional plant availability, environmental conditions, and educational objectives influence the composition and scale of each award. In limited cases where plant distribution is not feasible, applicants may request a cash grant of up to five hundred dollars, which must be used exclusively for purchasing locally sourced native plants or seeds. There is no indication of matching requirements, and funding is intended solely for project implementation using approved materials. Eligibility for the program includes a broad range of youth focused institutions such as public and private schools, nature centers, youth organizations, community centers, libraries, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations that serve youth populations. All projects must be located within the United States and must incorporate native plants or seeds. A key requirement is that projects directly engage youth participants and include a clear plan for long term stewardship and maintenance, ensuring sustainability beyond the initial implementation phase. The application process is conducted online and requires submission within a defined annual application window. For the 2027 planting season, applications must be submitted between July 15, 2026 and November 18, 2026. Applications are reviewed by a committee composed of Wild Ones staff, members, and board representatives. Evaluation criteria include alignment with organizational mission, quality and vision of the proposed planting, educational value, level of youth engagement, readiness of the project, site suitability, and plans for long term maintenance. Strong applications demonstrate careful planning and meaningful integration of youth participation. Award notifications for the 2027 cycle are scheduled to be communicated by February 16, 2027. Recipients are required to complete a final report approximately one year after receiving funding, documenting project outcomes and impacts. These reports support program evaluation and help demonstrate the effectiveness of donor contributions. While no specific performance period is formally defined, the reporting requirement implies a project lifecycle of at least one year. The program operates on an annual cycle tied to planting seasons, making it a recurring funding opportunity. Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead for future cycles if they miss the current deadline. Support is also available through local Wild Ones chapters, which may provide guidance on plant selection, project planning, and implementation. Questions about the program can be directed to the organization via email, and all applications and communications are managed through the official Wild Ones platform.

Ensure strong alignment with mission, demonstrate clear youth engagement, provide detailed planning and long term maintenance strategy