The state of Minnesota will set aside $900.000 and pay homeowners to stimulate them to make their yards bee-friendly. Their purpose is assisting Minnesota’s homeowners with the costs of converting their standard lawns into a bee-friendly habitat. The bee population is rapidly decreasing in Minnesota, and this is why this year-long program was proposed. Following this initiative and acquiring these funds will help homeowners plant wildflowers, native grass, and clover.
This action is expected to expand the food source for many kinds of bees. However, the most endangered kind is the rusty-patched bumblebee. This plump fuzzy bee is facing extinction in cities in the upper midwest.
This program would cover up to 75% of the costs for converting your yard to a bee-friendly habitat. On the other hand, up to 90% of the expenses will be covered for areas that would help support the rusty-patched bumblebees.
Nevertheless, it is still not explained how people can apply for these funds. The State Rep. K. Morrison said, “I have gotten a ton of e-mails and so much feedback from people who are interested in this, people are really thinking about how they can help.”. She introduced the bill in the House and said that she hopes that it will be available by spring.
Read more about the program here.