Greenspace and Trees

GT 2: Increase pollinator supportiveness of lawns and grasslands in Region and achieve a 2.5% turf replacement with native grasses and wildflowers Region-wide by 2030. (an decrease of 22,000 acres total)

GT 2-1 Transition maintenance of all local government owned properties to Carbon Gardening practices including elimination of synthetic fertilizer and pesticide use, high mow deck settings, use of biochar amendments, and native pollinator restorations or polyculture lawn mixture.

GT 2-2 Encourage and support local governments in establishing a policy to require the use of native plants in landscaping at local government owned properties. Develop a region park and government facility turf analysis and conversion study to identify lesser maintenance turf and ground cover types, to determine native plant, pollinator restoration, and low / no mow cover opportunities, and help communities establish a conversion master plan.

GT 2-3 Collaborate with regional partners to establish incentives for residents and businesses supporting native prairie grass conversion.

GT 2-4 Complete regional private land conversion opportunity study. Analyze private property for unused turf and impervious areas and implement an education and outreach campaign. and establish incentives for native prairie grass conversion.

GT 2-5 Support and encourage local governments to remove or ease lawn requirements in ordinances in favor of increased priarie grass, wildflower, tree canopy, or garden utilization. Establish a communication/education effort to clarify the allowances of lawn alternatives including native grasses, wild flowers, vegetable gardens, etc.

GT 2-6 Support and encourage region farmers to increase use of native prairie grass and wildflowers. Strategies include contour buffers, wind breaks, edge-of-field buffers, and native grass pastures.

GT 2-7 Collaborate with local partners to develop educational and informational resources on benefits of and strategies for reduced and repurposed lawn space including: native plantings, "carbon gardening" strategies for ornamental gardens, and produce gardens, tree profile rebuilding, elimination of synthetic fertilizer and pesticide use, high mow deck settings, use of biochar amendments, polyculture lawn mixture and other beneficial greenspace practices included in this CAP. Include information on incentives including the State of Minnesota's "Lawns to Legumes" grant.

GT 2-8 Support and encourage local governments to use pollinator-friendly, salt tolerant and filtering plant materials on roads.

GT 2-9 Identify and promote available programs to support local governments and communities in the removal and maintenance of invasive and non-native species.

GT 2-10 Educate public and promote use of compost and local and regional sources, including back-yard compost strategies.