Explore the tabs below for free downloads on a variety of topics related to planting for clean water and pollinators. For guides on specific types of native planting projects, you can also visit our Rain Gardens, Shoreline Stabilization, Turf Alternatives, and Steps to Plant for Pollinators pages.
Who We Are Blue Thumb—Planting for Clean Water® is a network of clean water and native plant stewards creating change to bridge the gap between knowledge and action by offering resources and programs to Minnesotan residents. Our Finest on Earth™ Blue Thumb Partners include local governmental units, non-profit organizations, and private companies all working toward…
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Please submit a message to us through the form below; we will respond as quick as we can. Our small team does not have the capacity to give gardening advice, but we are happy to address any questions related to Blue Thumb resources and programming. Thank you!
Many Blue Thumb Partners offer grants for individuals or organizations looking to build projects that improve water quality or create habitat for pollinators. Browse the list below to find funding opportunities that best fit your needs!
Shore Up Your Shoreline Is your lakeshore eroding, unsightly or attracting too many geese? Does your lake water turn green each summer? Native plants stabilize shorelines and act as a buffer between your yard and the lake. The roots of native plants filter and absorb polluted runoff and excess nutrients before they enter the water.…
Do you have areas in your yard where grass doesn’t want to grow? A native garden may be the solution.
Raingardens serves as water filters collecting polluted stormwater before it reaches our waters.
The problem Rain is natural. Before we built roads and buildings, it would fall on deep-rooted native plants that helped it infiltrate into the ground, to be naturally cleaned and cooled before entering the water table. As we’ve developed the landscape, we’ve also dramatically altered the path those raindrops follow. Now they fall on roofs,…
