Master Landscaping & Conservation Plan
The Morehouse Dome
Executive Summary & Project Scope
This project aims to transform the 0.5-acre construction site surrounding the Morehouse dome into a low-maintenance, ecologically functional native landscape. By leveraging Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and local SWCD cost-share programs, we will establish native vegetative cover, pollinator habitats, and erosion control systems. The execution relies heavily on solo DIY labor, waste-stream material sourcing, and strict adherence to grant approval timelines to minimize out-of-pocket capital.
Conservation Partners & Funding Details
Missouri Dept. of Conservation (MDC)
The MDC actively encourages property owners to transition from standard turf grass to native Missouri species, providing substantial financial and educational backing for residential lots like the 0.5-acre dome property.
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Free Technical Assistance A Private Land Conservationist will conduct a free site visit to test soil, assess the 0.5-acre layout, and draft a custom native landscaping plan.
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75% Cost-Share Grants If you agree to plant native grasses, wildflowers, or pollinator/monarch gardens, MDC often reimburses up to 75% of the material costs (seeds, bare-root trees, shrubs, and soil amendments).
New Madrid County SWCD
Funded by the Parks, Soils, and Water Sales Tax, the local Soil and Water Conservation District manages state funds designed to prevent erosion and improve water quality. They share an office with the NRCS.
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Permanent Vegetative Cover Grants To fix bare, eroding dirt left from dome construction, the state offers prorated payouts (averaging $122-$224 per acre) to cover seed and nutrients that re-establish vegetative cover.
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NRCS Urban Agriculture Ties Through the EQIP program, funding may be available for small-scale infrastructure like high tunnels, raised beds, or composting facilities.
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Local Contact Info 495C Hwy. 61, New Madrid, MO District Manager: Alicia McClendon (573-748-2557)
Critical Grant & Permit Sequencing
The "Do Not Touch" List
WARNING: Any materials purchased, soil moved, or seeds planted before official board approval will completely void your eligibility for Missouri cost-share reimbursement.
Initiate Contact (Day 1)
Call the New Madrid SWCD (573-748-2557) to schedule a site visit with the local MDC Private Land Conservationist.
The Site Visit & Plan Draft (Weeks 2-3)
Walk the 0.5 acres with the conservationist. Explicitly request a "Conservation Plan" focusing on native vegetative cover and pollinator plots to qualify for the 75% cost-share.
Submit the Application (Week 4)
Submit the finalized plan to the SWCD board for the monthly funding vote.
The Holding Pattern (Weeks 4-8)
DO NOT BUY SEED. DO NOT BREAK GROUND.
You may only source free salvage materials (cardboard, arborist chips) during this time.
Contract Execution (Week 8+)
Once the contract is signed by the board, procurement and physical labor may begin immediately.
Exhaustive Phase-by-Phase Execution Plan
Phase 1: Zero-Cost Site Prep & Waste Stream Sourcing
Pre-Approval Stage • While waiting for grant approval
Step 1: Clear the 0.5-acre lot of construction debris. Separate usable scrap wood and masonry from true trash.
Step 2: Stockpile cardboard. Visit local Sikeston appliance stores (Lowe's, Menards) and collect massive appliance boxes. Remove all tape and staples. This is your free weed barrier.
Step 3: Register on ChipDrop or call local tree services in New Madrid/Scott County to request free wood chip dumps. You will need roughly 30-40 yards of chips to sheet-mulch the 0.5 acres.
Step 4: Source "Urbanite" (broken concrete chunks) from local driveway contractors or municipal street departments. This will be used to build free, retaining borders around the dome's foundation.
Phase 2: Sheet Mulching & Soil Remediation
Post-Approval Stage
Mow any existing invasive weeds or turf as low to the ground as safely possible.
Lay the collected appliance cardboard directly over the 0.5-acre planting zones, overlapping edges by at least 6 inches to prevent weed breakthrough.
Wet the cardboard thoroughly with a hose so it forms to the ground.
Using a wheelbarrow and pitchfork, spread a 4-to-6-inch layer of the free arborist wood chips entirely over the wet cardboard. Let this sit for at least 4 weeks to begin breaking down the clay/compacted construction soil.
Phase 3: Planting & Seeding
Trees & Shrubs
- Step 1: Pull back the wood chips, cut an "X" in the cardboard, and dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Step 2: Plant bare-root saplings (sourced from MO State Nursery) so the root flare is strictly level with the native soil.
Pollinator Seed Zones
- Step 3: Mix your MDC-approved native seed mix with a carrier (sand or sawdust) in a 5-gallon bucket for even distribution.
- Step 4: Hand-broadcast over designated "disturbed soil" zones. Press seed into soil by walking over it or using a lawn roller (seed needs soil contact, not burying).
Hyper-Local Missouri Plant Recommendations
Specifically chosen for the Bootheel's Zone 7a climate and sandy-loam-to-clay transition soils.
Trees & Shrubs (Structural & Windbreak)
- Roughleaf Dogwood (Cornus drummondii) Thrives in poor, compacted construction soil. Great for erosion control.
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) High aesthetic value for future property sale; native and drought-tolerant once established.
- Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) Fast grower, excellent for screening the property line.
Grasses & Forbs (Pollinator & Erosion Cover)
- Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) The ultimate Missouri root system for preventing topsoil runoff.
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Highly drought resistant, blooms vigorously in the bootheel summer heat.
- Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) Essential for monarch butterfly grants; thrives in full sun around the dome.
Master Tool, Seed, & Salvage List
Waste Stream Opportunities
- Weed Barrier: Scavenged appliance cardboard (Free).
- Mulch: Arborist wood chips via ChipDrop (Free).
- Hardscaping: Salvaged broken concrete "Urbanite" or reclaimed commercial bricks ($0).
- Compost: Municipal yard-waste compost (Check Sikeston/Cape Girardeau).
The Cost Matrix
- Tier 1: Grant-Funded & Salvage DIY $150 - $300 (Goal)
- Tier 2: Standard Box-Store DIY $1,500 - $2,500
- Tier 4: Hiring a Local Pro $4,500 - $8,000+
Essential DIY Toolkit
- Heavy-duty steel rake & pitchfork
- Wheelbarrow (high-capacity, pneumatic tire)
- Utility knife (for cardboard)
- Broadcast spreader or 5-gallon bucket
- Hose and oscillating sprinkler