Lawns to Legumes Update

Lawns to Legumes is a planting for pollinators grant program facilitated by Blue Thumb in partnership with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. 

One final round of grants was awarded this spring, after which the state legislature discontinued funding of the program. Lawns to Legumes is seeking additional volunteers to serve as coaches to support grantees as they plan and plant their native gardens. Grantees most often value assistance with site selection and preparation, as well as guidance on appropriate plant choices.

Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteers are encouraged to sign up as coaches, and volunteer hours may be logged. More information and the sign-up form are available at: https://bluethumb.org/lawns-to-legumes/coach-info/. 

Coaches should be aware of a few changes to eligible expenses this year. For example, edging and barriers are reimbursable up to $100, and there is also a $100 limit for soil and containers for container projects. Please refer to the website for additional details.

Looking ahead, the Lawns to Legumes program plans to transition to a DIY model this fall, continuing to provide education and coaching support for people interested in increasing pollinator habitat through native plantings, but without grant funding. Program partners are actively seeking new funding sources with the goal of reinstating grants in the future.