BWSR Accepting Applications for Lawns to Legumes Grants

Cost-share funding available to Minnesota residents to create residential pollinator habitat

April 13, 2023

St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is once again accepting applications for grants for the Lawns to Legumes program. This program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources. The new application period is open and applications will be accepted through June 30, 2023. Applications submitted August 22, 2022 or later that were not previously awarded a grant will roll over and do not need to be resubmitted

Anyone who lives in Minnesota and has an area for outdoor planting can apply to be reimbursed for up to $350 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitat in their yards. Recipients are required to contribute a 25% match in the form of purchasing materials, hiring contractors or as in-kind time spent planting and maintaining their projects.

In the program’s first phase, Minnesota residents planted 4.3 million square feet (100 acres) of pollinator habitat. Residents from all 87 Minnesota counties were awarded grants, and thousands of DIY projects were inspired and guided by the program.

“Lawns to Legumes helps Minnesota residents play an essential role in protecting the pollinators that sustain our natural resources, ecosystems and economy,” BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke said.

Notifications about funding decisions will be sent to project applicants in July. Those who do not receive funding are encouraged to pursue DIY projects using the many online resources, including BWSR’s Planting for Pollinators Habitat Guide, gardening templates, tips for selecting native plants, and more.

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