This article was written by Amy Chapman, University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
It’s a good time to plant a pollinator-friendly habitat at your home. Last year Minnesota’s Board of Water and Soil Resources developed a program called ‘Lawns to Legumes’ that aims to help homeowners or renters convert part of their lawn to plants that provide wildlife and pollinators with habitat and food. One element of the program is in the form of an individual support grant; this grant assists with the costs involved in a landscape conversion.
Funding is targeted to prioritize areas that will most benefit the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) and other at-risk species. The rusty patched bumble bee was listed as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act in 2017 and became the state bee of Minnesota in 2019. In the last 20 years their population has declined by 87 percent. They have small ranges, feeding on flowers within about a half-mile around their colony. Because they have small ranges, it is important to provide more flowering plants to connect their patches of habitat.
The good news is that even relatively small plantings can build these important habitat corridors. The goal of the program is to provide enough habitat to help the species rebound – which also benefits all pollinators. Minnesota is home to more than 450 native bee species and other pollinators that include butterflies, moths, beetles and native flies. All play a role in pollinating many food crops and native plants, but populations have significantly declined in recent years due to habitat loss, lack of quality nutrition, pesticide use, and pathogens. In addition, better-quality habitat also supports birds and protects our lakes and rivers from harmful run off.
The Lawns to Legumes program is funded through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and has three components: Provide individual support for residential lawns; establish “Demonstration Neighborhoods” for neighborhood-wide projects; and develop a public outreach campaign to raise awareness about pollinator habitat to connect with all Minnesota residents.
Our Northside neighborhoods are considered a priority area (as is much of the metro area). If you want to do your part to provide habitat for pollinators and build corridors, you are encouraged to apply for the individual support grant. A grant could potentially reimburse you for up to $350 in costs associated with establishing a pollinator habitat in your yard. It also offers a combination of workshops, coaching and planting guides. Applications for the first round of funding will be accepted through February 28, 2020. Apply at bluethumb.org/apply-for-lawns-to-legumes-assistance/.
Applying does not guarantee cost-share funding, however, there are other ways to make a difference.
- Blue Thumb (the program coordinator) will work with awardees unable to afford the upfront cost of a project to find a way to still participate in the program.
- DIY – there are detailed resources on Blue Thumb’s website demonstrating how to prepare a site for planting and explaining types of planting that include: Native pocket planting: small native plant garden including flowers preferred by our state bee with detailed plant lists. Pollinator beneficial trees and/or shrubs: lists quality nectar and pollen sources for bees in the spring. And Pollinator lawn: a fine-fescue lawn mixed with low-growing flowers (like clover, a legume) to support pollinators
- Organize a ‘Demonstration Neighborhood’ project. One component of the program is to assist organizations as local partners. For example, a neighborhood association could submit a proposal that if granted would provide technical and financial assistance within the neighborhood. The association as a local partner would work with neighbors to establish high-value pollinator habitat at their homes. The Victory Neighborhood’s Environmental Committee has a submitted an application for a grant. This committee would work with other interested Northside organizations to share the process.
- Attend a pollinator habitat workshop to learn more. Blue Thumb’s site lists upcoming events. And the ‘Lawns to Legume’ project will be the topic at this year’s garden workshop hosted by the Victory Neighborhood Environmental Committee in March. Planning is still underway for that workshop, however information will be in the next Camden News and on neighborhood social media sites.
Funding for residential pollinator habitat is unique. Take a look at the program to see what changes can be implemented where you live.