How to Get the Mini-Grant Program

What you get

Reimburses up to $500 for native plantings, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, or buffer strips. Open to all land and home owners within the district; reimbursement only (no applicant-labor credit), first-come, first-served. Do not start the project before receiving the award letter (Rice Creek Watershed District; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: Up to $500 reimbursement

Are you eligible?

• Be a Rice Creek Watershed District customer
• Property located in: Blaine, Shoreview, Lino Lakes, White Bear Lake, Forest Lake, Hugo
• Land or home owner within the Rice Creek Watershed District
• Native plants, pollinator garden, rain garden, or buffer strip
• Reimbursement only (no applicant-labor credit)
• Do not start before receiving the award letter; first-come, first-served

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to Rice Creek Watershed District and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.