Lawns to Legumes Program

The purpose of this case is to highlight a program known as Lawns to Legumes and to seek support to promote this in an upcoming issue of the Ramsey Resident newsletter.  This program is offered through a partnership between the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), Metro Blooms, and Blue Thumb - Planting for Clean Water and is focused on creating pollinator friendly plantings in residential lawns.

The Lawns to Legumes program includes an opportunity for Individual Support Grants for Minnesota residents to be reimbursed up to $350 in costs associated with establishing pollinator habitat in their yard.  Current funding applications will be accepted through January 18, 2023.  Priority areas have been identified and the majority of Ramsey is within Priority Area 1 (highest priority).  If the Environmental Policy Board is supportive, Staff will work to include information about this program in the November/December Ramsey Resident as well as on the City's website.  There is no direct involvement by the City and no cost to the City either.  This would simply be to promote the program and provide information to the residents.

Attached to this case is a document containing links for additional background on this program.

This case is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

Based on discussion.