Native Plant Parkway Program
Welcome to the Native Plant Parkway Program!
Did you know? Parkways (the area between the sidewalk and street) are the cause of a lot of wasteful runoff. In partnership with the California Native Plant Society, Long Beach Utilities is offering the Native Plant Parkway program to simplify the turf in your parkway with our environment’s best, natural safeguard against water waste – native plants!
The Native Plant Parkway program gives you all of the resources to convert your parkway from turf to a native landscape at no cost!
The Benefits of Native Plants
Plants selected for the Native Plant Parkway Program are California native plants, carefully chosen by the California Native Plant Society. These plants are uniquely adapted to thrive in our Long Beach climate and offer the following benefits:
- Support for local birds and insects
- Water conservation
- Reduce amount of runoff and pollution
- Less required maintenance
How it Works
Step 1: Apply!
Click HERE to apply to participate in the Native Plant Parkway Program.
Step 2: Pre-Inspection
LB Utilities staff will conduct a pre-inspection of your parkway to gather dimensions and verify that there is existing turf in the area. If everything checks out, LB Utilities will send a letter of approval along with the Parkway Program Guidebook.
Step 3: Turf Removal
After approval, you can begin the process of removing your turf and leveling the soil 2″ below the sidewalk (so mulch doesn’t spill over). To remain eligible for the Program you must do so within 60 days of receiving your approval letter. See RESOURCES, for tips on turf removal.
Step 4: Kit Selection
Review your parkway program guidebook and select your desired plant kit. There are 5 different designs to choose from. The number of plants and materials that you will receive is based on the total area of your parkway.
Step 5: Notify LB Utilities
Notify LB Utilities once you have chosen your kit and the turf in your parkway has removed. Send pictures of your parkway to waterconservation@lbutilities.org.
Step 6: Receive Your Parkway Planting Kit
LB Utilities will schedule your mulch and pavers to be delivered to your property. LB Utilities will confirm plant availability with our partner nurseries and notify you when your plants are ready for pickup. Bring your notification letter with you to the nursery to pick up your free plants.
Step 7: Installation!
Install your plants, mulch, and pavers! Remember to adhere to any city parkway landscaping codes. The city parkway landscaping code can be accessed HERE.
Step 8: Notify LB Utilities of Project Completion
Notify LB Utilities that your project is complete and receive your free Native Plants Live Here sign!* Signs are currently unavailable but we will contact participants once they are ready.