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Workshops

2021 workshops include resilient yards, bee lawns, and planting for pollinators!

Workshop schedule

EJ Hub

We are working to integrate equity into our programs and partnership.

More about the Hub

Blue Thumb 2021 Workshops

We are offering three different workshops, via webinar, for DIYers who want to make their yard more resilient. Start planning a project!

Resilient Yards Workshop

A framework for resilience in your yard: site planning, raingardens, alternatives to conventional turf lawns, trees, native plantings and more. Includes one-on-one design assistance.

Bee Lawns Workshop

Your “how-to” guide on creating a bee lawn that promotes pollinator health, water quality and natural resource conservation.

Planting for Pollinators Workshop

Based on the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources’ Lawns to Legumes program supporting residents to create more pollinator-friendly landscapes. Learn about the current health status of pollinators in Minnesota and how to help them in your yard.

Workshop Schedule

Planting For Clean Water … and Pollinators!

Lawns to Legumes

Blue Thumb is proud to partner with Minnesota’s Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) to promote and implement the Lawns to Legumes program to help residents convert some of their lawn to flowering plants that provide wildlife and pollinators with habitat and forage. Minnesota is home to over 450 native species of bees, many suffering declining populations. One of them, the rusty patched bumble bee, was the first bee in the continental US to be listed as endangered. We hope to provide enough habitat to help the species rebound, and in the process create a beautiful, blooming, buzzing landscape that protects pollinators as well as our natural bodies of water.

The program offers cost-share grants, workshops and free online resources. Cost-share grant applications are currently closed, but the online resources can help you get started on a project, whether you want to put in a bee lawn or pocket planting, need information on site planning, or are curious about rusty patched preferred plants — and much, much more.

2021 Environmental Initiative Award (Large-Scale Sustainability Impacts)

More about Lawns to Legumes

Mobilizing Minnesotans to Protect Pollinators

An overview of how state residents took action to help pollinators in their yards during 2020 through the state Board of Water and Soil Resources’ Lawns to Legumes program.

Read the Blog Post

Minnesota State Horticultural Society: Native Plant Community Science Project

Join the horticultural society to learn about native plants and seeds! Attend a native plant ID class, learn how collect and save seeds, do some seed swapping, and, this fall, learn to propagate plants.

More information

What Is Blue Thumb?

Want to help protect our water? The Blue Thumb—Planting for Clean Water^® program can help. Blue Thumb is a public/private partnership that promotes ecologically functional landscapes – like native plants, raingardens, and shoreline stabilization projects – to reduce runoff and improve water quality. Blue Thumb makes it easy for you to plan, purchase and plant beautiful native plants in your own yard. Interested in planning a clean water project? Blue Thumb is coordinated by the nonprofit Metro Blooms and extends throughout the state.

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Why Plant for Clean Water?

Planting for clean water is part of the solution to water pollution. Stormwater runoff is the number one threat to our water quality according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Pollutants from our lawns and streets – vehicle emissions, oil residue, grass clippings, pesticides, leaves, and pet waste – are swept away by rainwater runoff to our lakes and streams by way of storm drains causing water pollution. Using water-friendly landscaping like native plants, raingardens, and shoreline stabilization helps minimize runoff and helps keep our water clean.

Why Plant for Pollinators?

We are seeing declining populations of bees, butterflies and other pollinators. This includes the rusty patched bumble bee — Minnesota’s state bee and an endangered species. We can help solve this problem by creating habitat in our yards, from pockets of native plantings to flowering bee lawns and meadows. Creating pollinator habitat also has other benefits, including supporting agriculture, contributing to clean water, capturing carbon and generally contributing to a healthier ecosystem.

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Who Is A Blue Thumb Partner?

Blue Thumb Finest on Earth™ Partners have the expertise to help residents with the design, installation, materials, maintenance and/or funding of their planting for clean water projects. Our partners include watershed districts, conservation districts, cities and counties, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses such as native plant nurseries, landscape designers and installers, equipment and material suppliers, and other companies that are working toward Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water® goals. Want to become a Blue Thumb partner?

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