1 out of 3 bites of (human) food come from pollination. Pollination is done in partnership with pollinators of all sorts, and these little guys grab the attention of young kids from the start and make a great gateway for them to experience the magic of gardens.

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Not sure what to plant? Consider your growing conditions, then check out this "Plant Finder" search tool by BlueThumb (MN Based). https://bluethumb.org/plants/

Want something colorful and engaging and yet, fewer options? Heather Holm is a MN superstar with awesome books about pollinators and the plants they live off of. She also put together wonderful posters for free download. This link takes you there, but save time to visit the entire website! https://www.pollinatorsnativeplants.com/plant-lists--posters.html

Want less thinking? Metroblooms offers set options of 4 plants or less depending upon the look and growing condition. https://metroblooms.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Boulevard-Bioswales-Plant-Palette.pdf

A Pollinator Planting Guide might be the light reading you've been looking for as you go from Lawn to Legumes! (i.e. a bee lawn). This is a collaborative project of MN based organizations and agencies. https://bwsr.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2019-08/Planting%20for%20Pollinators%20Design%20Guide%200816.pdf

Pollinator Toolbox -- An online but very real set of "tools" to get started with pollinator plants.https://bwsr.state.mn.us/pollinator-toolbox

Where to get the plants? A number of nursery plants are treated with systemic pesticides so that they can survive and be attractive for market, because a lot goes into starting and sustaining these plants until spring. However these pesticides are awful for bees and other pollinators that rely on them for nectar or food and so they should be avoided. A list of suppliers is available through the Dept of Natural Resources (MN) https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/gardens/nativeplants/suppliers.html

Want a more active role in ecological restoration and habitat creation? This DNR webpage has information and updates that scientists about the state of pollinators in MN and get connected to information to advocate for more resources and collaboration for a healthier planet. https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/pollinators

UMN Extension has a number of great reads online about pollinators and their fav plants, with helpful background information if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by the other resources. Get started here -- https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/flowers-pollinators#create-a-pollinator-friendly-landscape-1130060

Build a Bee Hotel!

https://www.beelab.umn.edu/sites/beelab.umn.edu/files/cfans_asset_486207.pdf

What links and online resources do you like?