Healthy tree canopy grants
 Healthy tree canopy grants are available for tree plantings, ash tree removals, tree inventories, outreach and more. Grants are available to cities, affordable housing properties, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
The grants aim to combat threats to trees from invasive insects and disease, educate the public on tree care and the importance of trees, and increase the diversity and resiliency of the tree canopy.
Review the healthy tree canopy grants flyer (PDF) for more information. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26.
Virtual information meeting
The virtual information meeting is a chance to find out more about the grant program, hear about and share project ideas, understand the application process, and get questions answered.
The information meeting will be held virtually via Zoom from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5. Register for the meeting.
Contact us
For more information, feedback on your project ideas, or help with your application, contact Shane DeGroy at shane.degroy@hennepin.us.
Spring tree sale
 Hennepin County is selling trees to property owners to restore and improve woodland areas and increase wildlife habitat.
Bareroot trees ranging in size from 7 to 36 inches will generally be sold in bundles of 25. Due to their small size, the trees are best used for restoration and conservation projects.
Trees can create shelterbelts, provide visual screens, and offer shade that increases home energy efficiency. Trees also protect water quality, prevent soil erosion, and improve wildlife habitat.
Tree orders must be placed by Thursday, April 18 for pickup in late April. See what's available and place an order.
Applications accepted now through May 30
 The Plymouth Creek Restoration project, funded in part by a Hennepin County Opportunity Grant, reduces erosion and improves water quality in the creek and Medicine Lake.
Turn your environmental ideas into reality. Learn more about Opportunity Grants for natural resources projects.
Opportunity Grants are available for larger projects to improve water quality or preserve, establish, or restore natural areas. They are ideal for projects seeking to leverage multiple funding sources, and applicants are encouraged to use these funds as required match for other funding.
See the opportunity grant guidelines (DOCX) and application (DOCX) and learn about past Opportunity grant projects. Submit applications by May 30 via email to Ellen Sones at ellen.sones@hennepin.us.
 Hennepin County is offering free resources and support to small businesses and nonprofit organizations to start or enhance their recycling and organic waste recycling programs. Select up to $3,000 worth of containers and compostable bags from the county's product list to help you get started. Check out the grant guidelines (PDF) and grant flyer (PDF) for details on container and bag options.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until November 11 as funding remains. Visit the business recycling web page to learn more and start the application process.
 Hennepin County receives funding from the State of Minnesota to manage the spread of aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil.
In 2023, Hennepin County leveraged this funding in a variety of ways, including to expand watercraft inspections, build partnerships, give presentations, conduct education and training, provide grants, reach garden centers and pet stores, promote actions to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, initiate projects, and more.
Specific highlights in 2023 include:
- More than 18,000 inspections funded by Hennepin County were conducted at 28 different water accesses.
- About 25,000 tool uses occurred at CD3 waterless cleaning systems, which are available at 44% of water accesses with trailer access.
- 794 people on 23 lakes and the Mississippi River have taken the pledge to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species through lakepledge.com.
- 200 people were reached through county staff presentations.
- 27 people participated in aquatic invasive species detector classes.
- A new infestation of Eurasian watermilfoil was discovered and addressed via a rapid response plan on Sweeney Lake.
- 3 educational projects were started in 2023 and will be completed in 2024.
Read details of all AIS prevention efforts in the 2023 AIS Accomplishments report (PDF).
Interested in getting involved?
Learn about volunteering with the aquatic invasive species prevention program by contacting Tony Brough at tony.brough@hennepin.us or 612-348-4378.
 Hennepin County launched the pilot Apartment Recycling Champion program in 2023. Through the program, 17 residents at multifamily properties were hired for six months to distribute education materials, monitor trash and recycling areas for contamination, respond to resident questions on recycling, set up recycling bins in their building’s common areas, and educate and inspire their neighbors to reduce waste and recycle more.
Champions reached people in about 1,500 units at 15 multifamily properties in areas of concern for environmental justice.
Champions served as a trusted resource, communicating with their neighbors in culturally relevant ways. Overall, champions were proud of the work they completed and saw the impact in their building.
"This program really opened my eyes to the need of recycling within my community. I love being educated, and this program was packed with knowledge of how I can make a difference in my community," shared one of the champions.
Continuing the Apartment Recycling Champions program in 2024 is a priority for implementing the county’s Zero Waste Plan goal of improving access to and participation in recycling and organics recycling at multifamily buildings.
Learn about all of the resources and support available to improve recycling at multifamily properties.
Producer responsibility for packaging introduced in state legislature
The Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act, introduced in the Minnesota Legislature last week, would hold producers of a product and packaging responsible for that product throughout its entire lifecycle — from product design all the way through to reuse, recycling, or safe disposal.
Hailed as the most important recycling bill since the 1980 Waste Management Act, this bill will require packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2032, fundamentally reshape how recycling is funded and will resolve frustration felt by Minnesotans in dealing with all the packaging overflowing from their trash cans. Advocating for passage of this bill is the county’s top solid waste priority for the state legislative session this year and is a critical piece of achieving a zero-waste future.
The coalition of partners working to develop the bill encourages the public to contact their representatives and help garner the support needed to pass this bill this session. Read more in the Sahan Journal.
Experience the joy or repair at a Fix-It Clinic
Hennepin County Fix-It Clinics not only provide a free opportunity to repair broken household items, they also help residents learn repair skills, save money, have fun, and experience the joy of fixing things. Twin Cities Live recently joined a Fix-It Clinic to talk to volunteers and residents as they work through their repairs. Watch the story.
Fix-It Clinics are held the second Saturday of most months from noon to 4 p.m. (last items accepted at 3:30 p.m.). See the schedule of upcoming clinics.
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Fish Lake achieves rare accomplishment of being removed from the state’s impaired waters list
 Credit: Three Rivers Park District
Fish Lake, a popular lake for fishing, swimming, and boating in Maple Grove, will be removed from the state’s impaired waters list after years of work from numerous partners to reduce phosphorous in the lake.
Excess phosphorous would cause algae blooms and low water clarity, making it unsuitable for swimming at times. Phosphorous in the lakebed getting churned up by wind, waves, and seasonal changes was identified as the main source of the issue. An alum treatment, funded in part by a Hennepin County Natural Resources Opportunity Grant in 2019, is helping to contain polluted sediment and improve water quality so the lake could be delisted, an uncommon accomplishment. Learn more in the Star Tribune and on CCX Media.
Hennepin County expanding renewable energy use with solar arrays on county buildings
Hennepin County is installing two solar arrays at the Adult Corrections Facility later this year as part of the county's effort to increase renewable energy use and meet climate-action goals. Using recommendations from a solar feasibility study conducted last year, new solar arrays are also planned for several libraries, maintenance facilities, service centers, and NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center.
By 2025, the county is on track to have 10 times more solar panels on county building capable of generating 25 times more clean energy than it has now. Read more in the Star Tribune.
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Resilient yards and shorelines workshops and spring plant sales
 It’s time to think spring! Our sustainable landscaping partner, Blue Thumb, is offering workshops and resources to help you beautify your landscape while planting for clean water and creating pollinator habitat.
Join Blue Thumb for an upcoming workshop to get resources and one-on-one guidance on designing with native plants, redirecting runoff, and more. A variety of in person and online workshops focused on turf alternatives, resilient shorelines, and resilient yards are planned in Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Plymouth, and St. Louis Park this March and April.
Blue Thumb also has a list of native plant sales happening in the Twin Cities this spring and a list of native plant nurseries and retailers.
Our recent Choose to Reuse article highlights sustainability trends that will make it easier for you to take actions to protect the environment in 2024.
Momentum in sustainability has put a new economic system on the horizon—the circular economy. A circular economy means there is zero waste as all products are designed and manufactured with reuse in mind and all products are recycled, repaired, or repurposed.
Policies, regulations, and individual choices are all key to significant change. With increased support from government, businesses, and consumers, adopting sustainable habits and shifting toward a low-waste lifestyle is more feasible than ever.
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See the game-changing sustainability trends and innovations for 2024 guide for information and resources on the following:
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Eco-friendly cooking: Cut down on the amount of food that goes to waste with low-waste meal planning.
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Sustainable construction: Smart technologies, deconstruction, and used building materials will all help increase building and remodeling efficiency while minimizing construction waste.
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Farewell fast fashion: Increased understanding of the negative impacts of fast fashion will drive demand for secondhand and sustainable clothing.
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Renewable energy: Global renewable energy generation is expected to match that of fossil fuels, and solar technologies are becoming increasingly accessible.
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Sustainable transportation: Better fuel efficiency and more electric options for personal vehicles and more transit and biking options mean continued growth in sustainable transportation.
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