Lawns to Legumes Demonstration Neighborhood

Lawns to Legumes Demonstration Neighborhood - Anoka County
Our state bee, the Rusty patched bumblebee, and other pollinators are at risk. Minnesota is home to more than 450 native bee species. Pollinators also include butterflies, moths, beetles, hummingbirds, and flies. All play a key role in pollinating many food crops and native plants, but populations have significantly declined worldwide in recent years. Population decline can be attributed to habitat loss, lack of nutrition for pollinators, pesticide use, and pathogens.

Anoka County Demonstration Neighborhood
The Anoka Conservation District is tasked with administering the Lawns to Legumes Demonstration Neighborhood in Anoka County in partnership with the cities of Andover, Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Fridley.

General Lawns to Legumes Resources

1. Visit the Board of Water and Soil Resources website to learn more and download free resources: https://bwsr.state.mn.us/l2l

2. Learn more about the different Project Types on the Blue Thumb website here:

Pocket Plantings "Small native pollinator planting, designed to benefit pollinators through the season."
Trees and Shrubs "Flowering trees and shrubs with quality nectar and pollen for bees in the spring."
Pollinator Lawns "A fine fescue lawn or other grasses mixed with low-growing flowers to support pollinators."
Pollinator Meadows "A relatively large expanse of native plants, reminiscent of a prairie plant community."

3. Many more resources and guides can be found here, including:

Planting for Pollinators Guide
Pollinator Plant Lists and Nurseries
DNR Native Plant Suppliers List
Garden Design Templates

Resources for RESIDENTS

Download Summary Sheet: Word or PDF
Download Application: Word or PDF - If ACD has contacted you, you have been selected to be included in the Demonstration Neighborhood. However, we still need you to work with your Volunteer Coach to fill in the application including design, plant list, and budget. Email your completed application to Carrie Taylor: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Acceptable Vegetation and Expenses
Hours Log and Project Supplies Log - Use this spreadsheet to track your hours and purchases. This version is to print and fill out by hand. If you prefer to track your hours and purchases in an Excel file, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Resident Cost-Share Tracking - Complete this form when you spend time working on your project or make purchases that can count toward your cost-share. You may also use this form to share pictures of your project!

Resources for COACHES
**If you are a Master Gardener in Anoka County, all hours you spend on this project can count toward your Master Gardener service hours.

Coaching Guide
Onsite Consultation Form
Download Summary Sheet: Word or PDF
Download Application here: Word or PDF - Assist your resident(s) with completing the application including design, plant list, and budget. Email the completed application to Carrie Taylor: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Acceptable Vegetation and Expenses
Coaching Log - Complete this form to submit your volunteer hours, photos, and your Onsite Consultation Forms. You may return to this form at any time to add additional pictures if desired.

Resources from Coaches Meeting (6/23/20):
Meeting Recording (Note that the recording begins on slide 9 of the full slide deck that can be downloaded below)
Slide Deck (Slide Deck with notes)
Questions and Answers from the Meeting

Staff Contact List