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 native plants (40-50 plants, covers approx. 2,500 sq. ft.) and advice.

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

BEFORE
AFTER

Eligibility Requirements :

Must have some lawn, non-native plants, or un-landscaped area 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 ithis coming September through February.
Should commit to using low-water methods or systems to maintain native plants. Examples include adapting current irrigation system to drip or micro-spray, rain barrels, hand watering, gray water irrigation, etc.

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.
In consideration of extra time possibly needed for amelioration of fire-created toxins or related damage, commitment to accomplish planting within two years rather than the one year accorded for the standard Lawns to Habitat program.

Before Applying :

Define, measure, and photograph your project area. Pin flags or survey tape and nails can help you visualize your new native habitat.
Measure to the nearest foot, calculate square footage by multiplying area width by length.
Photograph all dead or dying lawn.

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 native plants and the enhancement of habitat on private property.

Timeline:

June 1- July 15

Apply for a Lawns to Habitat / 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 Octiber

Site visits by the Lawns to Habitat team, where necessary, and plant order preparation occur throughout the late summer and early fall months when grant recipient’s turf is has been removed, hardscapes installed, and irrigation systems modified.

Grant recipients are encouraged to pay close attention to their properties with respect to sun vs. shade, slope, soil type and other considerations when ordering plants, and to consider contracting with landscape professionals. See CVAS’s resource list for businesses that support the Lawns to Habitat Program.

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 LtH Grant 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)

Is your yard adjacent to, or within 1/4 mile of, a park or protected open space? (required)

Do you plan to participate in the WaterWise turf removal program?

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

Why do you want to win this grant? (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 a post-conversion Garden Tour?

How did you 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 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 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” 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 Ventura County Fire Department considers large plants within five (5) feet of a house a fire hazard.