Funds available for pollinator projects
Grant funds are available to residents interested in planting pollinator projects located in Scott County! The Scott SWCD has been providing small grants to county residents for soil and water improvement projects since the early 1970's. Since then, urban and rural land uses have increased considerably. To better meet the interests of current landowners and to continue improving natural resources in Scott County, the SWCD is exited to offer a new program called Natural Landscaping.
Natural Landscaping projects focus on establishing native vegetation in urban and other residential areas as an alternative to managed turf and non-native landscaping. These types of projects improve water quality, sequester carbon, and create critical habitat for pollinators and wildlife. They can also be done on smaller, residential properties and still have a great impact on protecting and improving the natural resources in the communities we call home.
For a program overview, download our flyer.
Submit a Request Form to get started
Forms will require the submission of three completed documents
Natural Landscaping Project Request Form
Project Map
Project guidelines sheet for your chosen project type(s)
Request forms can be submitted via mail to: Scott Soil and Water Conservation District at 7151 W 190th St. Jordan, MN 55252
Or emailed Hannah Plonsky at hplonsky@scottswcd.org
Request forms due Friday, March 31, 2023
Project types
Pollinator pocket plantings are a great introductory project for people who are just beginning their natural landscaping journey. Pocket plantings are defined by their flexible size and simple site prep. They resemble traditional gardens, but with the twist of containing Minnesota native grasses and flowers that are perfect for pollinators.
Pocket plantings can be as small as 150 square feet and be tailored to your property to add color, beauty, and dimension to your landscape. These projects will thrive best if they are given 6-8 hours of full sun, and all pocket plantings projects must contain at least three blooming species for each of Minnesota's three growing seasons.
Download the project guidelines for additional details on pollinator pocket plantings.
For best site preparation methods, download this form.
Pollinator meadows convert traditional monoculture turf lawns into beautiful and dynamic meadows that provide homes and food for butterflies, bees, and other native wildlife. These projects start from seed, so homeowner will get the joy of watching their meadow bloom and grow from its very beginning.
Pollinator Meadows start at 1/4 acre but can be planned to perfectly complement the size of your existing property. Meadows will thrive best if they are given a full 8 hours of direct sun, and all seed mixes must contain at least three blooming species for each of Minnesota's three growing seasons.
Download the project guidelines for additional details on pollinator meadows.
For best site preparation methods, download this form.
Trees and shrubs transform landscapes, providing permanent features that burst with eye-catching flowers during their blooming season. Pollinating trees and shrubs provide the most benefit to pollinators out of all four categories on a square-foot-by-square-foot comparison.
Pollinating trees and shrubs can begin as 12 inch seedlings or as potted bulbs. Most trees and shrubs will thrive best if they are given at least 6 hours of sun.
Download the project guidelines for additional details on pollinator meadows.
For best site preparation methods, download this form.
Join the natural lawn movement with a yard that has the look of traditional turf grass but a fraction of the maintenance and benefits to local pollinators. Pollinator lawns consist of clovers, fescues, creeping thyme and other legumes that grow low but provide vital resources to pollinating bees.
Consider converting any difficult to manage areas of your lawn (think steep slopes or often unused areas) to a pollinator lawn. Pollinator Lawns can start as small as 150 sq ft or convert your whole lawn! Species in these seed mixes can tolerate partial to full sun conditions.
Download the project guidelines for additional details on pollinator lawns.
For best site preparation methods, download this form.
Raingardens are designed to catch rainwater runoff from your roof, driveway, walkway, parking lot, and lawn. They provide beautiful and colorful accents while attracting wildlife and pollinators. Unlike a typical vegetable or flower garden, a raingarden is intended to improve water quality by capturing stormwater runoff before it enters nearby creeks, streams, lakes and rivers.
Raingardens can be as small as 150 square feet and be tailored to your property to add color, beauty, and dimension to your landscape. These projects will thrive best if they are given 6-8 hours of full sun, and in an area that will capture storm water runoff.
Download the project guidelines for additional details on raingardens.
For best site preparation methods, download this form.
If you live on one of Scott County's many beautiful lakes, you may worry about shrinking shorelines, wave and ice action, or a steep, eroding slope next to the water. By planting a natural shoreline buffer, you can save and even restore these areas.
These projects are plantings of flowers and grasses into the edge of shorelines that provide protection and habitat. Shoreline buffers thrive best when they receive at least 6 hours of full sun and all projects must be at least ten feet wide to produce an effective buffer zone.
Download the project guidelines for additional details on natural shoreline buffers.
For best site preparation methods, download this form.
How to submit Request Forms
Forms will require the submission of three completed documents
Natural Landscaping Project Request Form
Project Map
Project guidelines sheet for your chosen project type(s)
Request forms can be submitted via mail to: Scott Soil and Water Conservation District at 7151 W 190th St. Jordan, MN 55252
Or emailed to Hannah Plonsky at hplonsky@scottswcd.org
Request forms due Friday, March 31, 2023
For all questions about the Scott SWCD Natural Landscaping Program and request form submissions, contact Hannah Plonsky at 952-492-5419 or at hplonsky@scottswcd.org