Contributed article from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is accepting applications for spring 2025 Lawns to Legumes pollinator habitat grants.

The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with reimbursement-based funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources. Anyone who lives in Minnesota and has a yard, deck or other outdoor space for planting can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitat in their yards. The program is available to both Minnesota homeowners and renters.

“Lawns to Legumes allows Minnesotans to take a hands-on approach to protecting at-risk pollinator populations,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “Lawns to Legumes gardeners prove that small-scale habitat projects can have big impacts.”

Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you will need to reapply to be considered for spring 2025 funding.

More than 5,000 residential habitat projects across all 87 Minnesota counties have been funded since the program launched in 2019. Lawns to Legumes shares online resources such as gardening templates, habitat guides and advice about selecting native plants for all Minnesotans interested in creating pollinator habitat in their yards. Lawns to Legumes receives funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and the state General Fund.

Apply online at Blue Thumb’s website. For more information about Lawns to Legumes, visit BWSR’s website.

BWSR is the state soil and water conservation agency, and it administers programs that prevent sediment and nutrients from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; enhance fish and wildlife habitat; and protect wetlands. The 20-member board consists of representatives of local and state government agencies and citizens. BWSR’s mission is to improve and protect Minnesota’s water and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners.