Adopt a Roadside Prairie


Why Create a Roadside Prairie?

The Black Hawk County Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) program involves the public in roadside management. The program creates an opportunity for landowners to grow their own roadside prairie. 

Black Hawk County IRVM staff will work with participants to establish, manage, and promote native prairie growth within the right-of-way. Along with adding to a visually pleasing roadway, these micro-sized prairies play a large role in preventing erosion, increasing water infiltration, acting as nutrient filters and living snow fences while providing critical habitat for wildlife. 

  1. 1 Landowner's ditch just after spray has been applied
  2. 2 spray has killed grass, and ditch is now ready for tilling and planting
  3. 3 ditch has been seeded with native prairie seeds
  4. 4 ditch has native prairie grasses and a few flowers
  5. 5 ditch has flower growth and native prairie grasses
  6. 6 Photo of diverse prairie planting near county roadside

What to Expect

Black Hawk County residents with land adjacent to secondary county roads are eligible to take part in the Adopt a Roadside Prairie program to restore their right of way to native prairie vegetation. 

The IRVM staff will: 

  • Assess the area of interest.
  • Apply an herbicide spray to reduce unwanted vegetation. 
  • Plant native seeding with an oat cover crop. 
  • Provide ongoing education and technical assistance in every stage of prairie maintenance. 

The Landowner will:

  • Be responsible for maintenance mowing in the first and second year. 
  • Complete a prescribed burn in the fourth or fifth year. 

Adopt a Roadside Prairie Permit (PDF)

If you are interested in the Adopt a Roadside Prairie Program or would like to lean more about the program please call the Road Department and talk with our Roadside Biologist at 319-833-3008