A wildflower grant program was so successful its first year that a state organization is offering it again.

Kim Shannon, spokesperson for Color Oklahoma — Sow Some Wild Seeds, today announced that the nonprofit organization will match up to a total of $3,000 in grant requests this year. Color Oklahoma will provide $300 to $500 for each qualified applicant.

“If $500 is raised locally, we will match that with $500 for a total of $1,000 for wildflower plantings. Grant recipients are welcome to provide more money, although the additional funds will not be matched,” Shannon said.

The program applied only to state highway rights-of-way. The application deadline is May 15, and seeds will be sown in the fall for spring and summer bloom. Eligible applicants include nonprofit groups, businesses, schools and universities, individuals, Indian Nations, civic groups and governmental entities.

Last year matching grants of up to $500 were awarded to Riverfield Country Day School in Tulsa, Let Turley Bloom in Tulsa County, Choctaw County Arts Council and Iris Garden Club, the city of Edmond, Hennessey 2010 Beautification Committee, Piedmont Kiwanis Club and Lawton Beautiful.

Color Oklahoma, a project of the Oklahoma Native Plant Society, was created in 2002 to beautify the state with native wildflowers and to educate the public about their historical, ecological, aesthetic and economical importance.

Funds are raised from donations and sales of a state Color Oklahoma vehicle license plate. In addition to buying seeds, Color Oklahoma purchased a drill seeder for the Transportation Department, which maintains highway rights-of-way.

Grants can be used for the purchase of native wildflower seeds only. Grant recipients will choose sites for sowing and ODOT crews will sow the seeds.

Application forms are available at www.coloroklahoma.org or by calling 587-4624.

source : www.muskogeephoenix.com