Note new dates: The application period for the 2025 Lawns to Habitat and Ashes to Habitat Grants will open June 1st and end July 15th, 2025.

Successful applicants will receive $250 worth of bird-friendly native plants (40-50 plants at wholesale prices, enough to cover approx. 2,500 sq. ft.) along with advice to help you get started.

Applicants who qualify for the additional “Ashes to Habitat” program will receive an increased financial grant and extended time for ordering and planting.

BEFORE
AFTER

Eligibility Requirements :

Must have some lawn, non-native plants, undeveloped area or bare ground available for replacement.
Must be the owner of the property or have the owner’s written permission.
Must be located in Agoura, Oak Park, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park or Camarillo.
Must sign the CVAS liability waiver.
Owner must certify that they have no outdoor cats with access to the property.
Must be ready to plant this coming September through February.
Should commit to using low-water methods to care for native plants. This can include converting existing irrigation to drip or micro-spray, using rain barrels, hand watering, or reusing gray water.

Additional Considerations for Ashes to Habitat :

Proof to be submitted that project property was directly affected or is within a neighborhood affected by recent fires, 2018 to present.
To allow extra time for addressing fire-related toxins or damage, planting must be completed within two years instead of the standard one-year timeline for the Lawns to Habitat program.

Before Applying :

Define, measure, and photograph your project area as accurately as you can. Using pin flags or survey tape with nails can help you visualize your future native habitat.
Measure to the nearest foot, calculate square footage by multiplying area width by length.
Photograph the areas where you plan to plant, including bare ground, as well as existing live or dead vegetation. (Photos can be emailed to lawnstohabitat@conejovalleyaudubon.org once you’ve applied)

We will select winners from those who have completed the entire form. Funding priority will be given to recipients willing to actively help promote and educate the public about the value of planting bird-friendly native plants and the enhancement of habitat on private property.

Timeline:

June 1- July 15

Apply online for a Lawns to Habitat or Ashes to Habitat Grant online.

By August 15

All grant applications will be reviewed by a panel of experienced CVAS members, and winning applicants will be notified by email.

Late Summer, or earlier if desired

Remove your lawn by sheet mulching, hand removal, mechanical turf cutting, and /or herbicide application. Please note this process takes 4-8 weeks, so June through October is the ideal time to complete this task.

August to October

Site visits by the Lawns to Habitat team if needed. Plant order preparation takes place in late summer and early fall months after has been removed, hardscapes installed, and irrigation systems modified by the grant recipient.

Grant recipients are encouraged to pay close attention to their properties with respect to sun exposure, shade cover, slope, soil type and other considerations when ordering plants. While CVAS volunteers will help get you started with native plant suggestions and layout ideas, our Native Plant Resources page has links to other wonderful sites with lots of great garden ideas for inspiration. Especially check out: Native Plant Design Basics – California Native Plant Society and Native Plant Garden Tour – Theodore Payne Foundation.

November 2025 to February 2026

Order and pick up plants from locations in Moorpark and/or Camarillo. Contingent on current water restrictions, install plants. Grant recipients are responsible for plant installation.

Apply for Grants Here:

Please include as much information as possible, and complete required fields for your grant application to be considered.

Have you previously APPLIED FOR a Lawns to Habitat grant from the Conejo Valley Audubon Society? (required)

Have you previously RECEIVED a Lawns to Habitat grant from the Conejo Valley Audubon Society? (required)

Name (required)

Email (required)

Phone Number (required)

Street Address of the Yard (required; Please include CITY and ZIP)

Approximate size of the yard you want to convert (required; i.e. 50' x 50' = 2500 sq ft)

What is currently in the yard? (required)

Where is the area located? (required)

When do you plan to be ready to plant (turf removed; month and year)? (required)

Why do you want to win this grant? If applying for additional “Ashes” stipend and extension, please indicate here and in timeline question above. (required)

If you win, do you grant CVAS permission to use images and video of you and your land transformation for marketing materials and other uses? Your address will not be publicized. (required)

Do you have any outdoor cats? (required)

Are you interested in participating in our Bird-Friendly Garden Tour once your conversion is complete?

How did you first hear about Lawns to Habitat? (required)

WAIVER OF LIABILITY
"In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Conejo Valley Audubon Society’s Lawns to Habitat or Ashes to Habitat Program, I do hereby release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue the Conejo Valley Audubon Society from any and all claims resulting in personal injury and/or property loss arising from participation in said Lawns to Habitat or Ashes to Habitat Program. Grantee agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Conejo Valley Audubon Society and its agents from and against any liability or loss arising from using the “Lawns to Habitat” or "Ashes to Habitat" program and/or grant, unless such liability or loss is the result of Conejo Valley Audubon Society’s sole negligence or willful misconduct.
Grantee acknowledges that some fire departments, including Ventura County, consider large plants within five (5) feet of a house a fire hazard and that both HOAs and home insurance companies may have their own landscaping standards or requirements.