 Thank you for your interest in the developing Lawns to Legumes program. Read below for program details and upcoming workshops.
What does this program do?
Lawns to Legumes will offer workshops, coaching, planting guides and cost-share funding for installing pollinator-friendly native plantings in residential lawns. The program will also include a public education campaign to raise awareness for pollinator habitat projects and will establish demonstration neighborhoods that showcase best practices.
Why does this matter?
Minnesota is home to more than 450 native bee species. Pollinators also include butterflies, moths, beetles and native flies. All play a key role in pollinating many food crops and native plants, but populations have significantly declined worldwide in recent years. Population decline can be attributed to habitat loss and lack of related nutrition for pollinators, as well as pesticide use and pathogens.
The program aims to protect the federally endangered state bee, the rusty patched bumblebee, and other at-risk pollinators. Even relatively small plantings of native flowers can help create conditions that are highly valuable to pollinators and can help build important habitat corridors.
Am I eligible?
Anyone is welcome to use the planting guide developed for this program to help plan a pollinator habitat project.
Minnesota residents who have an area at their home that can be used for outdoor planting can apply for a combination of technical assistance (workshops, coaching) and cost-share funding. The program divides the state into three priority areas based on the presence of the rusty-patched bumblebee. Applicants who live in areas with a high potential for the rusty patched bumblebee to be present will be given priority. Check this map to determine which priority area you live in.
When will I be able to apply for cost-share funding?
In December 2019, Blue Thumb will begin accepting applications from residents for the first round of individual support as part of the Lawns to Legumes program.
Applicants who are accepted into the Lawns to Legumes individual support program can receive up to $350 of funding through a reimbursement process. Funding decisions will be made and all notifications emailed in February for spring 2020 installations.
- 2nd application round will open in March 2020, for summer and fall installations.
- A 3rd application round for 2021 plantings may open depending on available funding.
Getting started now
You don't have to wait to start planning a pollinator-friendly yard! Here are some helpful guides for creating habitat:
Partners
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) will administer the program with the assistance of Metro Blooms and the Blue Thumb — Planting for Clean Water Partnership, which will manage the individual support program. Students at the Minneapolis College of Design are offering communications support.
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Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
BWSR is a state agency that works with private landowners and local government partners to improve and protect Minnesota’s water and soil resources. Since its founding in 1987, BWSR has helped install 17,500 conservation practices across the state and has supported more than 1,615 Clean Water Fund projects estimated to reduce more than 168,500 tons of sediment per year and prevent more than 178,150 pounds of phosphorus per year from entering Minnesota waters.
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Metro Blooms
Metro Blooms is a Twin Cities-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and celebrate gardening, to beautify our communities and help heal and protect the environment. They provide ecological design, installation, maintenance and education services to create resilient landscape, protect clean water and provide wildlife habitat. Metro Blooms coordinates the Blue Thumb program.
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Blue Thumb — Planting for Clean Water
Blue Thumb Partners are a collection of public organizations and private companies committed to helping landowners create landscapes that contribute to a healthy ecosystem and clean water.
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Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Students from three classes at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) are assisting the Lawns to Legumes program by creating original illustrations, copywriting materials and strategic communications and social media plans.
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 MCAD Entrepreneurial Studies students Amy Yang (left), Sam Ballis (right) and Nathan Malischke (not pictured), are coordinating MCAD student contributions to the Lawns to Legumes program.
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