Grant Program Resources

Explore resources for water quality projects within the RCWD boundary. Access technical services, design assistance contacts, and native plant information. From rain gardens to prairie conversions, find project-specific guidance below. PDF documents in Resources section on bottom of page.

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Are you in the RCWD

RCWD can only provide technical assistance and financial assistance to projects within the watershed district boundary. Click here to determine if your project location is in RCWD.

Technical Services and Design Assistance Contacts 

RCWD offers free technical and design assistance to landowners in RCWD who wish to apply for a mini grant or water quality grant. Please contact your County Soil and Water Conservation District Specialist to request a free onsite project assessment or assistance. 

*Hennepin County Residents can contact Nick Neylon or RCWD staff for technical and design assistance 

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Finding Native Plants & Professional Contractors 

Choosing Native Plants- DNR Native Plant Encyclopedia  

Blue Thumb Plant Finder 

Native Plant Suppliers, Landscapers, and Restoration Consultants for MN   

Spring Native Plant Sales in Minnesota  

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Project Specific Information 

Rain Gardens 

RCWD Comprehensive Rain Garden Guide (PDF in Resources Section Below) 

Rain Gardens 101  

Rain Garden Maintenance Checklist (PDF in Resources Section Below) 

MN Water Stewards Rain Garden Maintenance Guide (PDF in Resources Section Below) 

Blue Thumb Rain Garden Maintenance Guide 

WCD Most Common Raingarden Weeds (PDF in Resources Section Below) 

Rain Garden Design Template (PDF in Resources Section Below) 

Pollinator Gardens and Native Plants 

MN DNR Comprehensive Guide to Native Plants 

UMN Extension Pollinator Garden Info & FAQs 

Shorelines 

DNR Shoreland Information for Property Owners  

RCWD Shoreline Buffer Maintenance (PDF in Resources Section Below) 

Turf Alternatives and Bee Lawns 

Blue Thumb Turf Alternative Series 

DIY Bee Lawn (PDF in Resources Section Below) 

Rain Barrels 

RCWD Rain Barrel Guide (PDF in Resources Section Below) 

Pervious Pavement/ Permeable Pavers 

Permeable Pavers Maintenance Guide (PDF in Resources Section Below) 

Pervious Pavement Maintenance Guide (PDF in Resources Section Below) 

Prairie Conversions 

UMN Extension Planting and Maintaining a Prairie Garden 

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Additional Funding Sources and Information

Looking for additional funding for pollinator projects? Visit Lawns to Legumes 

Looking for more funding opportunities? Visit Blue Thumb’s Grant Resources

Looking to purchase native plants? Visit Blue Thumb’s Resources 

Workshops, programs, and information on native plants and projects, visit Blue Thumb