Carver County offers three programs to residents with funding to install native plants.
What are native plants?
Native plants are those local to Minnesota, those that were growing here when European immigrants first arrived. They are adapted to our climate and soils, are drought tolerant, and disease resistant. Most native plants do not require fertilizer or even water once established, and they tolerate our extreme Minnesota weather. As a result, they typically thrive with less care than non-native species. You may even know a few already, Purple Coneflower, Compass Plant, and Black-eyed Susan.
Why grow native plants?
They build soil health
Native plants improve soil health. Their super long roots help decrease soil compaction, stabilize the soil, and reduce erosion. These roots can find their own water and create gaps in the soil, so more water soaks into the ground.
They help wildlife
Our native wildlife evolved with Minnesota native plants and depend on them for nectar, berries, seeds, nesting areas, and shelter. For example, the common blue butterfly and many birds rely on the Red Osier Dogwood. Butterflies, including the Monarch, need milkweeds. Pollinators rely on asters, such as New England Aster, for late season food in August through October when other plants have settled down for winter.
They protect lakes and rivers
Back to the magic of native plants super long roots. These deep roots allow rainwater to soak well into the ground. When rain does not soak into the ground, it flows off lawns and pavement and into storm drains where it is carried away to nearby ponds, lakes, and streams. This rain runoff brings with it many pollutants such as bacteria, sediment, and phosphorus. Native plants soak up that rainwater and filter pollutants leaving less runoff and less water pollution to cause problems.
More benefits
Native plants can be used in your lawn’s problem areas like “squishy spots” or bare soil where nothing else grows.
Native plants are relatively maintenance free. They don’t need mowing, fertilizers, pesticides, or even water once established saving you both time and money.
Programs available
Several programs provide funding to residents to install native plant projects.
Landowner cost share program
Provides funding for projects that protect water quality in Carver County. Examples include raingardens, shoreline restorations, native plant gardens, and more. Program funds 75% of a project up to $5000. Learn more about the Landowner cost share program
Pollinator habitat cost share program
Provides funding to convert turf and non-native landscapes to pollinator habitat in Carver County. Projects must be a minimum of 250 square feet and can receive a maximum funding of $2000. Learn more about the pollinator habitat cost share program
Lawns to Legumes
A state funded program designed to get more pollinator habitat in residential areas. More information at Lawns to Legumes: Your Yard Can BEE the Change | MN Board of Water, Soil Resources (state.mn.us)
Within the 7 County Metro Area, only 3.5% of the original 1,903,640 acres of native plants is left. Do your part for water and wildlife by planting native plants.
