A new initiative in 2020 by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) has people buzzing already! “Lawns to Legumes” is a program offering workshops, coaching, cost-sharing and plant guides for homeowners who swap out the traditional residential lawn with pollinator-friendly native plantings. The goal is two-fold and includes public education, and ultimately to increase populations of rusty patched bumble bees and other at-risk pollinators.
If this peaks your interest, share the idea with your neighbors! BWSR is offering grants for demonstration neighborhood sites through January 10, 2020, that showcase pollinator-friendly best practices as part of the program’s public education component. Email City of Elk River Environmental Coordinator, Amanda Erickson for additional information on the grant process.
Residents can also apply for individual funding of up to $350 in costs associated with establishing pollinator habitats on their property. For additional information on “Lawns to Legumes” or to apply for a grant, click here.