Heritage Village Pollinator Garden Project 2024

Project Coordinator: Dr. Laura Munski, Master Gardener

Project Advisor: Dr. Eric Castle, University of Minnesota Agricultural and Natural Resources Department

Heritage Village President: Teri Hammarback

Project Completion: July 12, 2024

Minnesota Lawns to Legumes Program - A state funded program designed to help establish pollinator habitat in support of the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee and other pollinators. The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis) was named the MN State Bee in 2019. Rusty Patched Bee populations have declined more than 80% in 20 years. The bee was listed as an Endangered Species in 2017.

Heritage Village was selected to receive Individual Support cost-share funding for a Spring 2024 Lawns to Legumes pollinator habitat project. Heritage Village qualified for up to $400 in reimbursement funds for project costs associated with creating new pollinator habitat. Funding was provided by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) and the state General Fund. The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) administers the Lawns to Legumes program.

Heritage Village chose the 10’x10’ Native Pocket Prairie Garden template, however the garden is 12’ X 12’. Dr. Castle worked with Prairie Restoration Inc. on the plant order ($307.50). Prairie Restoration is one of the companies approved by the grant. Plants purchased meet the MN BWSR grant requirements and the USDA extension service requirements for a certified pollinator garden. Dr. Munski transplanted additional plants from established pollinator gardens and used seeds collected in 2023 to fill out the diversity. Dr. Castle (UMC) recommended an edging to keep separation of the garden from the lawn. Tom McDonald supervised edging installation. A bare ground area was designated with garden art. Teri Hammarback added birch branches and a butterfly puddling area. Attractive stones were placed in the shallow water dish to facilitate access. Chris Milford made benches to border the garden.

The pollinator garden is an outdoor exhibit on the Heritage Village grounds. The garden is open to the public and is included in both tours and programs.