Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Lawn-to-Meadow Conversion Bid

Fall 2025: Pennsylvania

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is seeking bids from land management contractors to convert 3.4 acres of lawn to meadow habitat across 2 sites in Pennsylvania during the fall 2025 planting season. Services sought include:

  • Site preparation with 2 applications of broad-spectrum, systemic herbicides in September and October 2025
  • Provide for 2 invasive species control treatments (approx 1000 sf) adjacent to meadow installation area along roadway shoulder at 1 site (Hampden Twp)
  •  Seeding via a no-till drill in October or November 2025
  • Procuring seed with approval of Alliance staff
  • 2 spot treatments of invasive and otherwise problematic plants in May and June 2026
  • One establishment mow in spring/summer 2026

Scope of Work

The contractor shall be responsible for providing all equipment, material and supplies to complete the meadow establishment projects and establishment according to the specifications and contractor’s responsibilities listed below. The contractor will spray broad-spectrum systemic herbicide to terminate the lawn vegetation and adjacent invasive plant patch at one site  in late September or early October 2025, and will return for a follow-up treatment 3-5 weeks later. The contractor will procure seed with approval of Alliance staff, and will plant the site with a native seed no-till drill in late October or early November 2025. In May and June of 2026, the contractor will return to the sites to perform an establishment mow and spot herbicide treatment of invasive and otherwise problematic plants. The two sites total 3.4 acres and are located in York and Cumberland Counties.

Minimum Qualifications of a Bidder

  1. The Bidder will be a reputable contractor with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in establishing grassland/meadow habitat and possess current insurance and pesticide applicator’s license.
  2. The Bidder may be asked to provide three references that can verify qualifications above and copies of current insurance and license. A Bidder that does not meet the minimum qualifications will be rejected.

Planting Specifications and Contractor’s Responsibilities

  1. The contractor will provide all labor, seed, materials, and equipment to fulfill all aspects of the scope of work as outlined above. Seed mixes and rates to be planted are included in the planting plans provided  by the Alliance.The contractor agrees to follow the planting specifications provided for each property unless otherwise directed and approved by Alliance personnel.
  2. The contractor agrees to perform preparation, seeding, and establishment tasks within the specified timeframe, unless agreed upon otherwise by Alliance staff.
  3. The contractor will repair, replace, or reimburse for damage to any property beyond ordinary wear and tear in the performance of the contract.
  4. All work performed will be certified by the Alliance as to acceptability and adherence to planting plans and standards before the Alliance will compensate the contractor for any work performed.
  5. The contractor will notify the site contact of their intended schedule to be on site. 
  6. The final number of planting sites and acreage may change prior to the commencement of this contract. The Alliance will notify the contractor of all changes as they occur. Any additions or subtractions to the list of planting sites will be adjusted according to per unit prices in the bid provided.

Seed Details

  • 30 lbs per acre cover crop (winter wheat or grain rye for seeding between Aug 1 – Jan 1)
  • 15 lbs per acre Ernst Seed Deer Resistant Meadow Mix 155. 

 Substitutions must be approved by Alliance staff.

Additional site information can be found in the RFP document: Fall 2025 Lawn-to-Meadow Conversion Bid (1)