Living Green 365: Pollinator-friendly (bee) lawns

Having trouble viewing this message? View it as a webpage.

June 2018 header

Happy National Pollinator Week! June 18-24

Flowering bee lawns

Bee lawn

The distinct aroma of freshly cut grass, the gentle spray of sprinklers, and the perpetual hum of lawn mowers — telltale signs that summer, and yardwork, is finally here in Minnesota! Maintaining a lawn may seem like a lot of work, but they have their uses. Grass lawns provide a hardy place to play and lounge, but they have some major drawbacks.

Turf grass needs to be mowed frequently, often needs chemicals like fertilizers and herbicides that may leech into ground and surface water, does a mediocre job of retaining storm water, and provides little benefit for other critters like bees and birds. Fortunately, there are environmentally friendly alternatives to turf grass, like flowering lawns that can transform your yard.

Read more


Community events and resources

Minnesota GreenCorps is accepting applications for 42 positions. Minnesota GreenCorps, an AmeriCorps program coordinated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is looking for community-focused individuals to serve with local governments, nonprofits, or educational institutions statewide for a full-time AmeriCorps term, September through August. MN GreenCorps members gain professional experience and improve the environment, while serving communities throughout Minnesota. Learn more about the program and apply by June 29! www.pca.state.mn.us/mngreencorps

 Pollinator Party: A Celebration of Bees. Thursday, July 26, 2018, 5 PM - 8 PM. Lyndale Park Gardens, 1300 W 42nd Street, Minneapolis, 55409. Free and open to the public. Join us for the 2018 Pollinator Party on the east side of Lake Harriet. The Pollinator Party brings together bees, scientists, beekeepers, food, and live music. This annual event also provides an opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate the life and work of honey bees and native bees. The party will be near the Perennial Garden and the Phelps Fountain (also known as the Turtle Fountain). 


Send questions or comments about living green to the address below.

Sincerely,

Giuseppe Tumminello and the Living Green Team   

livinggreen365.pca@state.mn.us