Watershed Stewardship Grants

Workshops are an introduction to native planting and an opportunity to receive personalized design support from staff. Workshops are held in person throughout the spring in various locations across the watershed. Check out the events page for upcoming dates.

Folks who attend a workshop will walk away from the event with everything they need to submit an application, including a site design, cost estimate generator, and a crash course in native planting 101. Workshops are intended for those pursing a mini-grant or large project grant. To get started on a Agricultural Stewardship or Woodland Stewardship grant, reach out to District staff.

Sign up for a upcoming workshop

If you can’t attend a workshop, you can still apply for a grant. Start by designing the layout of your project site. The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) has created several pollinator garden guides for all different site conditions. If you are not sure which design guide is right for your site, or need help figuring out your specific site conditions, take the What kind of native planter are you? quiz to find out! A rough

To get a sense of your project cost, the SWWD has created a simple Project Cost Estimator template. Enter your site prep, plant, and material costs all in one place. A cost estimate is required to submit your application.

Project Cost Estimator – Excel

Project Cost Estimator – Google Sheets

You will be asked to submit pictures of your site with your application. These before pictures help staff evaluate which grant type is best for you. Before pictures are also a great way to keep track of all hard work you have done once the project is complete.

Assemble your application materials and submit with your online application.

Application materials must include:

1. Site design
2. Project estimate
3. Site pictures

Your application will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility. You will be contacted by email with a decision, and information about your next steps.

Once you have received application approval, you may begin work. Do not start your project until you have received approval by a SWWD staff member, including purchasing plants or materials, hiring contracts, or preparing the site.

Applicants are encouraged to track their purchases throughout the project using a SWWD Reimbursement Form. This will make the reimbursement process simpler. Applicants are required to submit all receipts they plan to including in their reimbursement claim.

SWWD Reimbursement Form – Excel

SWWD Reimbursement Form – Google Sheets

To submit for reimbursement send your SWWD Reimbursement Form to Abby.Tekiela@swwdmn.gov, along with any receipts.

You will be notified once your claim has been reviewed and approved. Reimbursements are approved by the SWWD Board of Managers during monthly meetings.

• Easyscape – Design your garden using satellite imagery, search plants, draw custom plant beds, and virtually organize your garden all in one free tool. Access our custom made plant lists to start designing by guide: Shade Garden, Rain Garden, Sunny and Low, Modern Grid, Dry Understory, Bird Paradise.
• Blue Thumb Plant Finder – Quickly search for plants by type, color, height, resilience, light and soil moisture needs, ecoregion, and more. You can search by salt tolerance for sites located near roadways.
• Twin Cities Metro Nurseries and Retailers – There are many nurseries in the metro area with a large selection of locally grown, Minnesota native plants. Check out the list compiled by Blue Thumb.
• Native Plant Suppliers, Landscapers, and Restoration Consultants – The DNR maintains a list of native plant suppliers in Minnesota. Only companies that have been certified sellers of native plants sourced from the state, do not sell invasive or noxious plants, and/or have experience as a native plant consultant or habitat restoration specialist.
• Minnesota Wildflowers – Minnesota Wildflowers is a searchable encyclopedia of all things plants in Minnesota. Search for wildflowers, trees, shrubs, vines, ferns and fern allies, grasses, sedges and rushes, and aquatics.

• Native Plants vs. Cultivars vs. Non-Natives – There are more plant types than just native or invasive. This resource from the Lawns to Legumes program provides more information about the differences between native plants, cultivars, and non-natives. Remember, SWWD only reimburses for native plants!
• Invasive Non-Native Plants – Just because a plant is commonly seen, does not mean it is native or beneficial. Check out this list of invasive trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers from the Minnesota DNR.

• Invasive Jumping Worms in Minnesota – Jumping worms (Amynthas spp.) are an invasive species native to eastern Asia. Jumping worms cause major ecosystem disturbances and are a problem for homeowners and gardeners. It is important to know how Jumping Worms spread before you begin work.
• University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory – The University of Minnesota will test your soil. This is a good option if you have concerns about high nutrient levels or want to learn about the overall chemical makeup of your site.
• DIY Soil Jar Test – A DIY soil test can help you understand the physical characteristics of your soil. There are four primary soil textures: sandy, clay, silty, and loam.
• Hand Soil Texture Test – Hand texturing is another way to get your hands dirty and learn about the physical characteristics of your soil.

• What is a Bee Lawn? – Love pollinators? Hate mowing? Want to conserve water? A bee lawn may bee the answer! Learn about what makes a lawn a bee lawn and how to start planting yours.
• Leave the Leaves! – Leaves and other brush- like logs, plant stems, and flower heads are an essential winter habitat for pollinators and other invertebrates. Leaves are also a free and readily available source of nutrients that support plant growth.

• Mulch – Services such as Chip Drop will drop local mulch at your residence for free. Chip Drop often drops more chips than are needed, so checkout online marketplaces for individuals advertising their excess mulch for free. You can also contact tree trimming companies directly, many will provide mulch at low or no cost.
• Cardboard – Sheet mulching with cardboard and mulch is a great way to suppress existing plants like grass and prepare your site for planting. Check online marketplaces for free cardboard, many businesses will advertise excess cardboard. However, be aware of what the cardboard was used for, as cardboard contaminated with paint, gasoline or other hazardous chemicals should be avoided. Cardboard with printed graphics should be avoided, as they contain synthetic dyes that may be harmful to soil and plant health.
• Soil – Check your city or county local compost center for free compost. This is a great way to utilize local resources, and get soil and compost for free. However, be aware of the risk of invasive Jumping Worms. Community compost stations may not be monitored closely enough to prevent illegal dumping of jumping worms.
• DIY Plugs – One way to stretch your grant funds is by growing your own plugs, all you need is a bag of native seeds! The process is called winter sowing, and it utilizes the way Minnesota native plants naturally germinate during the freeze and thaw of winter. Follow this quick guide from the University of Minnesota to learn how to winter sow. Tip! Once your garden establishes, you can harvest seeds to sow later in the year, but remember to leave some for the birds!
• Seeds – Buying seeds is a great way to save money on materials. Seeds are great for large areas, but do require more site preparation and come with an inherently natural looking garden. Several local retailers provide seeds mixes that closely match the species listed in BWSR Design Guides. Check out the Twin Cities Metro Nurseries and Retailers list for reputable local suppliers.
• Plant Kits – Some local retailers provide plant kits that can be purchased online and shipped or picked up in store. These kits contain many of the plants included in the BWSR Design Guides and make shopping more simple. Check out the Twin Cities Metro Nurseries and Retailers list for reputable local suppliers. Tip! Shop and pre-order plant kits in the early spring, they are often the first thing to sell out.