Native Plant Incentive Program
Case No. PLCY-005884-2023
City Council
Item 12D
September 16, 2026
Project Team Introductions
City of Encinitas
Sara Cadona, Project Manager
Scott Drapkin, Director of Development Services
David Norgard, Parks Manager
2 Purpose
3 Create a southern California native plant incentive program:
1. Encourage residents and property owners to convert
existing non-native landscapes into native landscapes,
2. Increase public awareness of benefits of native plants,
3. Provide educational resources, and
4. Offer hands-on experiences with native plants.
Incentive Program Background
• March 25, 2026, Staff presented Native Plant Ordinance (2026-07) and four incentive programs.
• City Council introduced Ordinance and directed Staff to conduct analysis on four incentive program and return to City Council with high-level budgetary ideas and have item ready before budget hearing.
• On April 15, 2026, Staff informed City Council additional time was needed to conduct research, coordinate with other City Departments, and develop cost estimates for these four programs.
• Returning to the City Council to provide a report on the native plant incentive program.
Analyzed Four Incentive Programs
After coordination with City Departments, it was determined these four incentive programs would require a significant amount of administrative oversight:
• Daily Program Management
• Creating and Processing
Applications
• Resident Verification
• Vendor Setup and Management
• Rebate Processing
• Ongoing Staff Time and
Resources
Proposed Alternative Incentive Program
6 • One-year pilot program.
• Distribute southern California native plants (200
plants/event) at two existing City-sponsored
events, each plant having a custom informational
plant tag.
• Community native plant and seed swap.
• Distribute educational materials and resources.
• Utilize Advanced Planning Division budget, no
additional funding required.
• Most efficient and cost-effective method to
promote native plants at an existing well attended
event.
Picture of native tree giveaway at Arbor Day 2026
Custom Informational Plant Tag
7 Tag would include:
• General care and maintenance;
• Sun exposure needs;
• Watering requirements;
• Pollinators/Wildlife supported;
• QR Code linking to Calscape;
• QR Code linking to City’s native plant ordinance website.
Example of Plant Tag
from Arbor Day 2026
Leucadia Oaks Park Demonstration Garden
8 Event held on October 17, 2026
• Grand opening and installation of demonstration
garden at Leucadia Oaks Park.
• Volunteers will be able to participate and assist
with planting of native plants.
• If approved, community members would take
home a free native plant, receive educational
materials and participate in a native plant and
seed swap.
Landscaping Plans for Demonstration Garden
Arbor Day
9 Event held in April 2027
• Coordinate with Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Arts Dept. at their annual event.
• Volunteers participate and assist planting trees
throughout an Encinitas park (location changes
yearly).
• If approved, community members would take
home a free native plant, receive educational
materials and participate in a native plant and
seed swap.
Picture at Arbor Day 2026
If approved, Outreach and Next Steps
• Staff would coordinate with Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Dept. to include incentives to each events.
• Conduct outreach 1-2 months in advance to each event. • Outreach methods: Social Media, Flyers, Constant Contacts, City Council Newsletter, City Calendar, invite key stakeholders such as Encinitas schools and Native Plants for Encinitas group, etc.
Staff Recommendation
Receive and file a report regarding the pilot native plant incentive program and authorize staff to implement a oneyear pilot program during FY 2026/27 to purchase southern California native plants and distribute to
community members participating at two city-sponsored
events.
Native Plant Incentive Program
Case No. PLCY-005884-2023
City Council
Item 12D
September 16, 2026