For the second year, the Backyard Biodiversity Project is helping to bring more biodiversity and more habitat for bees and birds to Iowa City by offering free native plants.

Iowa Citians can register for the project here. Registration closes on Thursday, April 9 – or if before, if shrubs are all spoken for.

Bareroot shrubs between 8-18 inches tall will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants may choose up to five shrubs, with no more than two shrubs per species. 

Species include: Aroniaberry, Aronia melanocarpa; Elderberry, Sambucus canadensis; Nannyberry, Viburnum lentago; Ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolius; Serviceberry, Amelanchier arborea; and Wild Plum, Prunus americana.

One bundle or container per household; households must have an Iowa City zip code to participate.

Native shrubs, like serviceberry, wild plum and arrowwood viburnum, are more resilient to the impacts of climate change, like soil erosion, drought or flooding, and return year after year. These plants also provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, native bees and other pollinators better than nonnative plants.

Established in 2025 by Bur Oak Land Trust, the program is funded by a grant from Iowa City Climate Action.

Bur Oak Land Trust preserves are protected lands in eastern Iowa full of plants and wildlife, and many are open to the public year-round.

Plant pick-up is scheduled for Friday, April 17, 3-6 p.m. at Eastdale Plaza in Iowa City. Questions? Email info@buroaklandtrust.org or call 319-338-7030.