Native plants and pollinator habitat · Minnesota

BWSR Lawns to Legumes Individual Support Grant

Run by Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) with Blue Thumb and Metro Blooms

OpenLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Reimbursement of eligible expenses up to $400 (reimbursement-based; a very limited number of vouchers available for people who cannot afford upfront costs)
Maximum
$400 per household
Who qualifies
Minnesota residents who own or rent a residential property with outdoor space (renters need landlord permission). Groups and organizations not eligible. One grant per individual; past awardees not considered. Selection is a weighted lottery favoring priority habitat areas, geographic distribution and equity factors.
Where
Minnesota residents who own or rent a residential property with outdoor space; awards by weighted lottery.
Status
Open. Spring 2027 round open; cohorts selected each spring and fall.
Type of payment
Cost share
Official program page

What you do

Replace part of your lawn with a native pocket planting, pollinator-beneficial trees and shrubs, a pollinator lawn, or a pollinator meadow (container planting allowed on decks/patios).

Requirements

  • Project type must be Native Pocket Planting, Pollinator Beneficial Trees and Shrubs, Pollinator Lawn, or Pollinator Meadow
  • Only purchases made after award notification are reimbursed; finish installation by deadline in notification
  • Source native plants and seed within 175 miles; avoid plants treated with systemic pesticides as far as possible
  • Follow local laws (boulevard permits, height limits)
  • Weed three times a year (spring, mid-summer, early fall); water about 1 inch per week for two years; no pesticides
  • Reimbursement request needs receipts, before/after photos, project size, and documentation of at least 2 hours spent
  • Eligible expenses: native plants, compost, mulch, edging, contractor install or DIY equipment rental, delivery, planters/raised bed materials up to $100
  • Respond promptly to program emails or be removed
  • Plant lists and sizes are in the Grantee Guide (detailed list not captured here)

How to apply

  1. 1Open the Lawns to Legumes apply page on bluethumb.org
  2. 2Complete the Submittable application form before the deadline
  3. 3Wait for lottery notification (January 2027 for the Spring 2027 round)
  4. 4If awarded, buy plants/materials and install after the notification date
  5. 5Submit the Reimbursement Request Form with receipts, before/after photos, project size and hours
  6. 6After approval receive reimbursement; yard signage is mailed

Timing and deadlines

Spring 2027 round: notified January 2027; installation deadline given in notification. Reimbursement timing not published.

Applications due November 30, 2026 (Spring 2027 round)

Combining it with other programs

Not published

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs