The Native Plant Cost-Share Program will help property owners incorporate more native plants into their landscapes. The program will offer partial reimbursement for native plant purchases (2-plant purchase minimum), reducing cost barriers while expanding pollinator habitat across Lake County.
Native Plant Cost-Share Program: Accepting Applications Beginning April 1st
What it is: A reimbursement program to help Lake County property owners add native plants to their landscapes.
Why it matters: Native plants support pollinators, conserve water, and thrive locally.
What’s offered: 50% reimbursement, up to $75, for eligible native plant purchases (2-plant purchase minimum).
Who’s eligible: Lake County property owners.
Timing: Native plants establish most successfully in spring and fall. Please avoid planting during peak summer heat (generally, late June–early September) and winter freeze conditions (November–March). To ensure planting occurs during these recommended windows, applications will not be approved for planting made during off-season months. Applications accepted on a rolling basis for as long as funds are available.
How to apply: Submit an online application within 30 days of purchase, including required photos and a receipt.
Have questions? We’re happy to help—contact LCCD staff anytime. Call (406) 747-0895 or email with questions.
Why Native Plants?
Native plants evolved alongside Montana’s soils, climate, and wildlife. Compared to turf grass or non‑native ornamental plants, they provide significantly greater ecological benefits.
Benefits of native plants include: – Essential nectar, pollen, and larval host plants for native pollinators – Bloom timing that supports pollinators throughout the growing season – Lower water needs once established – Improved soil health and reduced erosion – Reduced reliance on fertilizers and pesticides
Many common landscaping choices in Lake County including non‑native turf grass, ornamental plants, or gravel gardens, offer little to no value for pollinators. Even adding just a few native plants can help create habitat connections and strengthen the overall landscape.
How This Program Works
Reimbursement details – 50% reimbursement of eligible native plant purchases** – Maximum of $75 per household during the 2-year program duration.
Eligibility – Applicants must be property owners – Plantings must be located in Lake County, Montana
Where to buy plants – Native plants may be purchased from any nursery in Lake County or surrounding counties. Need a place to start? Click HERE for local recommendations – Note: Receipts must clearly identify the native plant species purchased
**Plant eligibility – Plants (2 plants minimum) must be native to western Montana. Additional eligibility can be verified using the Montana Field Guide searchable database or by checking with us before you buy. Call (406) 747-0895 or email with questions about plant eligibility. Only plants are eligible for reimbursement, not soil, mulch, or other gardening materials. Need help telling if your plant choice is Native? Scroll down and select “How to Choose Native Plants at the Nursury” in green.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online only.
To be considered for reimbursement, applicants must submit: – A Lake County property address – Proof of purchase (receipt showing native plant species) – One photo of the planting area before planting – One photo showing the native plants (2 minimum) planted in the ground – Agreement to be contacted for follow‑up monitoring
Applications may be submitted within 30 days of purchase. Please avoid planting during peak summer heat (generally, late June–early September) and winter freeze conditions (November–March). To ensure planting occurs during these recommended windows, applications will not be approved for planting made during off-season months. Reimbursement will be issued as long as all requirements are met and program funds remain available.
- Recommended native plants (sample list — not comprehensive) from our Pollinator Initiative Program Page
- Montana Field Guide: searchable native plant database including territory maps
- Recommended local and regional native plant nurseries. Note: you may use any nursery in Lake or the immediate surrounding counties to purchase native plants.
- Plant Monitoring Notebook – Click HERE for the PDF, which you may download and print. You can also stop by the office for a copy!
- Pollinator gardening and planting guides from our Pollinator Initiative Program Page
- Sign up for the LCCD monthly newsletter to receive information on seed giveaways, upcoming workshops, and educational events
To help you monitor the success of your own efforts, each participant will be sent a monitoring guide where you can take notes on pollinator activity, bloom dates, irrigation/watering schedules, and more.
To understand the impact of the program and improve future efforts, LCCD will conduct limited monitoring.
Participants may be contacted for: – Occasional site visits – Follow‑up questions about plant establishment and pollinator activity
LCCD staff will use photos, basic planting information, and participant feedback to document success and track changes over time.
LCCD has created a Pollinator Monitoring Journal to help you identify species and track your observations. Click HERE for the PDF, which you may download and print. You can also stop by the office for a copy!
What Counts as a Native Plant for This Program?
Eligible plants must be straight native species that occur naturally in Western Montana.
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Native (Straight Species):
Plants that grow naturally in Western Montana and have not been altered by selective breeding. These plants come from open-pollinated seed and retain the genetic traits that support local wildlife, pollinators, and ecosystems. -
Not Eligible: Cultivars or Nativars
Cultivars and nativars are plants that have been selected or bred by humans for traits like flower color, plant size, or growth habit—even when they originate from native species. These changes can reduce their ecological value and may limit their usefulness to insects and wildlife.
In short:
If the plant name includes a variety name in quotes (for example: Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’), it is not eligible.
When in doubt, choose plants labeled simply by their scientific species name with no added variety or trademark. Want to double check your choices? Visit the Montana Field Guide searchable database or check with us before you buy. Call (406) 747-0895 or email with questions about plant eligibility.
Stay Connected
The Native Plant Cost‑Share Program is one of several ways LCCD supports pollinators and sustainable landscapes. We also offer free pollinator seed giveaways, educational workshops, and planting resources throughout the year.
If you’re unsure whether a plant or project is eligible—or just want help getting started—please reach out to LCCD staff. We’re glad to help. Call (406) 747-0895 or email with questions.
