Northfield’s Lawns to Legumes Program

What is Lawns to Legumes?

Lawns to Legumes is a program designed to support Minnesota residents in creating pollinator habitats in their yards. It is specifically targeting priority areas like Northfield that have confirmed observations of the federally endangered rusty-patched bumble bee. A team of Northfield residents received one of these $20,000 grants which was administered through the Rice County SWCD. The “Northfield People and Pollinators” team recruited landowners, distributed funds and provided planting advice for 20 Northfield residents to plant pollinator friendly native gardens in their yards. Our program ended in 2021, but look out for signs on the East and West sides of town indicating the locations of our funded native plantings.

This program is crucial for communities like Northfield, as we strive to raise awareness about the benefits of pollinators. Insects such as bees, butterflies, and moths serve to pollinate some important crops. Native plantings can also reduce runoff, eliminate the need to mow and increase carbon sequestration.

  • To read an article about Northfield’s Lawns to Legume Program click here
  • To learn more about Northfield’s grant and what other communities received funding, click here
  • To learn more about the MN Lawns to Legume Program , click here

Who should I contact if I have questions about Northfield’s Lawns to Legume program?

Lead Contact for East Side/Memorial Park Neighbors:

Lead Contact for East Side/Central Park Neighbors

Lead contact for West Side Neighbors

  • Diane Angell – Departments of Biology and Environmental Studies, St Olaf College
  • Email at angell@stolaf.edu

For other questions