Natural Landscaping Program open for 2026 Applications
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Pictured above: A Minnesota native garden planted in 2024 in Scott County.
The Natural Landscaping Program encompasses a variety of plantings including Pollinator Gardens, Rain Gardens, Shoreline Buffers, and Pollinator Meadows. The Scott SWCD hosts this program to help landowners install clean water projects and pollinator habitat on their own property!
Natural Landscaping projects focus on establishing Minnesota native vegetation in urban and other residential areas as an alternative to managed turf and/or non-native landscaping. These projects improve water quality, reduce runoff pollution, create critical habitat for pollinators and wildlife, and prove that even small, residential properties can still have a great impact on protecting and improving the natural resources in our communities.
If you're interested in establishing native vegetation to your property, the Scott SWCD is available to help every step of the way from planning, to planting, to maintaining your project! Scott SWCD technicians are always available to provide free technical assistance to all Scott County residents. And in addition to that service, Scott SWCD staff are also able to provide grants to landowners that help offset the cost of installing these beautiful, beneficial projects.
Download individual project applications
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, April 15, 2026 via mail or emailed to hplonsky@scottswcd.org
All submittals must include a completed version of the following three pages to be considered for our grants:
Application form
Project guideline sheet
Location map
All instructions for submittal are included in a project's application PDF form.
Keep reading for further details on each project type in the Natural Landscaping Program!
Natural Landscaping Project Descriptions:
Pollinator gardens are a great introductory project for people just beginning their natural landscaping journey. These gardens can be tailored to your property to add color, beauty, and dimension to your landscape. They are just like traditional flower gardens, but with the twist of containing Minnesota Native plants that are perfect for our native pollinators!
Project Guidelines for Pollinator Gardens:
For best site preparation methods, download this fact sheet.
Download the Pollinator Garden Application:
A rain garden is a shallow, landscaped depression planted with native vegetation that captures, filters, and absorbs stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces like roofs, driveways, and sidewalks low area.
A rain garden:
Removes pollutants from water before it enters surface waters.
Prevents erosion by holding soil in place with its deep roots.
Attracts birds and butterflies.
Requires little watering and maintenance once established.
Rain gardens are perfect for those that want to capture storm water runoff and add pollinator habitat in the same space. Because of their water-retention capabilities, rain gardens require more prep work than pollinator gardens and should designed with drainage in mind. Scott SWCD technicians can help with design and drainage testing.
Project Guidelines for Rain Gardens:
For best site preparation methods, download this fact sheet.
Download the Rain Garden Application
Pollinator meadows convert traditional monoculture turf lawns into beautiful and dynamic meadows that provide habitat and food for butterflies, bees, and other native wildlife. With being planted from seed, homeowners can expect full meadow bloom in 2-3 years after the initial seeding. The catch phrase for native seedings is: "The first year, the plants 'sleep', the second year, they 'creep' and in the third year, they 'leap'!"
Meadows will thrive best if they are given a full 8 hours of direct sun. Scott SWCD technicians will help you determine which seed mix is best for your site based on sun conditions, soils, and more!
Project Guidelines for Pollinator Meadows:
For best site preparation methods, download this fact sheet.
Download the Pollinator Meadow Application
Shoreline buffer projects involve transforming an area that is 10-15 feet wide from your shoreline into a natural, plant-filled buffer right at your water's edge. These projects involve minimal construction--the most laborious part being removing the existing vegetation--and can be done with relatively low-cost.
Seeds and/or plant plugs can be used depending on a site's elevation and dimensions. The natural resource specialists at our office can provide suppliers and equipment recommendations to anyone interested. And technical assistance for the planning and installation of any project is always available free of charge.
Native seedings require some maintenance in the first years of growth to ensure the native plants are establishing properly. But once their roots have been established, usually after year three, the planting will be able to stabilize your shoreline for years to come.
Project Guidelines for Shoreline Buffers:
For best site preparation methods, download this fact sheet.
Download the Shoreline Buffer Application
Are you interested in a grant to install these projects?
Submit an application to get started!
Applications will require the submission of three completed documents:
Natural Landscaping Application
Project Map
Project guidelines sheet for your chosen project
Applications can be submitted via mail to:
Scott Soil and Water Conservation District
7151 W 190th St. Jordan, MN 55252
Or emailed to hplonsky@scottswcd.org
DEADLINES
Application deadline: The first round of applications are due April 15. After the first round of grants are awarded, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through Aug 1st or until funds are allocated.
Project deadline: Install dated vary from project to project, but all projects must be installed by Sept 15 unless they're winter-seeded.
Note: Each project has its own application. If you are interested in implementing more then one type of natural landscaping project, you will need to fill out multiple applications.
Conservation Project Timeline
This diagram is a summarized overview of the Scott SWCD grant and construction project timelines. Individual timelines may vary.
Note that applications may be submitted before a site visit with a Scott SWCD technician is scheduled. Â
Questions on where to start?
We're here to help! One of the best ways to start your project planning is by scheduling a site visit with a Scott SWCD technician.
Site visits can be scheduled anytime, but are typically conducted after spring thaw and before the first winter freeze, Monday-Friday from 8:00am - 3:00pm. A typical site visit will last from ~45 minutes to 1 hour.
All site visits and technical assistance for natural landscaping projects are FREE for Scott County residents, and can be done with or without submitting a natural landscaping project application.
Site visits can be scheduled via phone at 952-492-5425, by emailing info@scottswcd.org, or by clicking the link below.