Frequently Asked Questions
What gets reimbursed and what doesn’t?
See the reimbursable items list here.
What needs to be filled out in order to be reimbursed?
After your project is completed, you will need to fill out this form.
You will need your before and after pictures and your receipts.
Can I be reimbursed for hiring a contractor to complete my project?
Work done by contractors may qualify for reimbursement as long as the services fall under the list of eligible expenses. The resident must be approved for the grant before any expenses can be requested for reimbursement. Keep in mind, 70% of the grant must be used on native plants and trees/shrubs. Only 30% of the grant can be used on contractor services.
What do I do if I receive a grant, but no longer can complete a project?
You can email us at L2Lhelp@bluethumb.org and we will remove you from the list. If you would like to participate in the future, you must re-apply again when applications are open.
I was not awarded a grant. Can I have a grant that someone else declined?
Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to do that. We have many DIY resources and partner resources that can support you in creating a pollinator garden.
I purchased project materials before I was notified of receiving a grant. Can I still be reimbursed?
Unfortunately, no. We are only allowed to reimburse you for receipts containing eligible expenses that are dated on or after the date of your notification. For the Fall 2022 cohort, that date is August 15th, 2022.
Why hasn’t my check arrived yet?
We ask for your patience when waiting for reimbursement. Our team personally goes through each entry and reviews it for approval. As the timeline gets closer to the deadline, there will be a longer delay in getting requests approved. After requests are approved, checks are written and sent out.
Why did I not get the full amount I requested?
Our team carefully goes through each receipt and image to determine the reimbursement amount. It is your responsibility to make sure your items are eligible for reimbursement.
Projects and Native Plants
Where do I submit my before and after pictures?
Once you have completed your project, fill out the form on this page.
Fill in the questionnaire starting at “Basic Project Information”. You will be able to submit all pictures, receipts, and other information in the questionnaire.
Does the mulch have to be all-natural to be reimbursed?
No, any type of wood mulch qualifies for reimbursements.
Can I add to an existing native pollinator garden?
Yes! But make sure you can show before and after photos of each area. You can only submit a maximum of 4 before and 4 after photos.
Can I do multiple projects with my grant?
Yes, as long as you can show before and after photos for each project. You can only submit a maximum of 4 before and 4 after photos.
Can I purchase signs to put in my pollinator garden?
Right now we do not offer signs to purchase, but it is something that we are working on offering in the future! Every grantee who completes their project receives a free sign when they are reimbursed.
How do I find a native plant supplier?
The MN DNR lists (by region) of native plant suppliers here.
Wild Ones provides listings of suppliers here.
You can find a supplier through our Blue Thumb Partner Finder.
For fall 2022 grantees, see this list of native plant nurseries that have supplies for the fall season.
Do I have to buy materials from any specific nursery?
No, but plantings must be Minnesota native species, sourced from 175 miles from one’s location, or closer (with the exception mentioned here).
Can I add non-native plants to my project?
Yes! Feel free to add any plants you want; however, non-natives plants won’t be reimbursed (exceptions are mentioned here).
Can I start a project from seed?
Yes, Lawns to Legumes plantings can be started from seed. Please use a native seed provider who does not treat seeds with harmful insecticides like neonicotinoids. And note that native plants from seed may take 3–5 years to fully establish.
Logistics
Where can I sign up for email updates on L2L?
You can sign up for emails here.
Once a habitat is established at a residence, is it protected by law?
You should let your local government know of your new habitat. We ask all project participants to agree to maintain their plantings for at least three years to the extent possible. In the event that a resident sells their If you sell your residence, we ask that you communicate the intent of the landscape with the new resident and let us know you are moving so we can also share information about its importance and how to manage it with the new owner.
How can humans and bees live peacefully together?
The best way to share your yard space with pollinators is to choose a planting option that only takes up part of your yard, rather than the entirety of it. A native pocket planting only requires a small portion of your yard, and still leaves plenty of room for recreation. For the most part, bees are not aggressive and prefer to keep to themselves. They are most active during the warmest parts of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wasps are generally more aggressive than bees, while bees will generally keep to themselves unless you interact with them directly. If you want to lessen crossing paths with bees, try to keep your flowering plants in an isolated area of your yard.
Where can I learn more about the Minnesota state bee, the rusty patched bumble bee?
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources has a RPBB fact sheet.
Where can I learn more about monarch butterflies, Minnesota's state butterfly?
The Monarch Joint Venture has many monarch resources on its website.
If you did not find the answer you are looking for, email l2lhelp@bluethumb.org.