How to Get the Stewardship Grant Rebate

What you get

Mini-grants of up to $500 for backyard rain gardens, pollinator plantings, turf-to-native conversions, and bee lawns, plus cost-sharing up to 75% of project cost for larger projects (curb-cut rain gardens, native plantings over 0.5 acre, shoreline stabilization). Open to landowners within the South Washington Watershed District; Minnesota native plants only; reimbursement after a signed contract. Attending a workshop grants instant mini-grant approval (South Washington Watershed District; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: Up to $500 mini-grant; larger projects up to 75% of cost

Are you eligible?

• Be a South Washington Watershed District customer
• Property located in: Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park, Afton
• Property within the South Washington Watershed District
• Minnesota native plants only
• Signed contract before work begins (reimbursement basis)
• Workshop attendance grants instant mini-grant approval

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 South Washington 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.