Partnership Information

How Blue Thumb Partnership Works

The Blue Thumb Partnership is a state-wide network of clean water and native plant stewards creating change to bridge the gap between knowledge and action by offering resources and programs to Minnesotans. Blue Thumb Partners include local governmental units, non-profit organizations, and private companies all working toward the same goals. The Blue Thumb Partnership supports the Blue Thumb Education Program which includes our free public resources, the Lawns to Legumes program, the Sustainable Landcare Training program, and the Resilient Yards Workshop Series. The partnership is governed by the Blue Thumb Steering Committee.

Are you interested in joining the Blue Thumb Partnership? Do you have ideas for collaboration? Fill out the form below, or email Jacqueline at jacqueline@metroblooms.org for more information.

Become a Blue Thumb Partner

Public Partner Benefits

Turn-key workshops that complete the public education and involvement MS4 compliance
Technical resources on native plants, pollinator habitat, and protecting clean water
Blue Thumb Partner Finder tool serves as a list of recommendations to Minnesotans
Partner events and networking opportunities
Monthly updates on Blue Thumb Education programming and partner resources
Professional trainings and workshops
Signage and outreach displays
Project collaboration opportunities
Support publicizing clean water events, programs, activities, and resources

Private Partner Benefits

Marketing support to a project-ready state-wide audience through various channels including the Blue Thumb Partner Finder tool that refers thousands of visitors annually
Technical resources on native plants, pollinator habitat, and protecting clean water
Support in sharing and distributing your resources to our audience
Opportunities to speak directly to workshop and program participants
Blue Thumb refers people to the Blue Thumb Partner Finder tool when asked for recommendations
Peer support and expertise, project referrals
Partner events and networking opportunities
Monthly updates on Blue Thumb Education programming and partner resources
Professional trainings and workshops
Signage and outreach displays
Project collaboration opportunities
Support publicizing clean water events, programs, activities, and resources

Offset Partner Fees Through Volunteering

Members may fulfill up to 50% (max $500) of fees with volunteer action hours or in-kind contributions. Nonprofits and volunteer-led organizations can fulfill 100% of their fee through volunteer hours. Each action hour is counted as a $50 contribution. “Volunteer action hours” are flexible and partners will be sent both virtual and in-person opportunities throughout the year. Any unfulfilled volunteer hours will be invoiced at year’s end. Your volunteer involvement is encouraged whether or not you provide the full fee contribution to the program.

Become a Blue Thumb Partner

Blue Thumb Sponsorship and Additional Benefits

Do you want to support our programming further? Do you want more targeted marketing? Consider sponsoring Blue Thumb! We have a variety of sponsorship packages with different benefits you can explore. This is an opportunity to support our work in improving and updating our free resources and programming while getting some benefits in return. Every sponsorship package includes a summary of execution (end-of-year reporting on outcomes).

Learn more

Partner Resources

Blue Thumb Partners are encouraged to take advantage of Blue Thumb’s downloadable educational resources. Partners have access to a Shared Resources Folder where you can find printable PDFs, images, presentations, and more. You can also download resources from our website by visiting our Resources Page.

Partners and non-partners are able to purchase our “The Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens” book by Rusty Schmidt, Dan Shaw, and David Dods if you are planning to purchase 10 or more books. Exclusive to partners, our popular Magic Roots display is available to rent out or purchase for events. If you have resources you’d like us to share on our page or any inquiries, email Jacqueline at jacqueline@metroblooms.org.