Blue Thumb—Planting for Clean Water® is a public/private partnership promoting native plants, raingardens, shoreline stabilization projects and turf alternatives to reduce runoff and improve water quality. Partners include local governmental units (watershed districts, conservation districts, cities and counties), non-profit organizations, and private companies such as nurseries and landscape design and build companies, all working toward Blue Thumb goals. Blue Thumb is coordinated by Metro Blooms.
Where We Started:
Blue Thumb began in 2006 as an outreach program of the Rice Creek Watershed District (located in Blaine, Minnesota) to help its cities meet mandated water quality goals set forth in the Clean Water Act.
Our Challenge:
The EPA identifies runoff as a major threat to the quality of our waterways. However, much of the general public is unaware of how runoff from their property impacts our clean water or how they can change this impact.
Our Shared Vision:
Clean water resources supported by beautiful and ecologically functional landscapes that minimize runoff in cities, towns and suburbs.
Our Impact:
- Informing behavior change and bridging the gap between knowledge and action
- Changing landscaping norms for professionals and property owners