The Natural Resources Conservation Service has published an interesting guide to help in identifying seedlings of native prairie plants. The goal of the guide is to help identify native plants at various stages of growth. Color photos illustrate seed, seedling, juvenile, and flowering stages, in addition to a distinguishing characteristic. Brief text provides additional identification help.
The Minnesota Land Trust’s mission is to protect and restore Minnesota’s land, water, and wildlife so that nature thrives—for everyone, forever. Since 1991, the Land Trust has partnered with hundreds of Minnesota landowners to permanently protect nearly 90,000 acres of natural land and 600 miles of fragile shoreline throughout the state. In addition, we’ve restored over 12,400 acres of critical habitat. They also have an informative guide for turning your yard into a pollinator haven.
Blue Thumb has a lot of exceptional information on planting for clean water, to include planning a pollinator project, Resilient Yards online learning – free for MN residents, live workshops with landscape experts, and an outstanding plant finder tool.
The Pollinator Partnership’s mission is to promote the health of pollinators, critical to food and ecosystems, through conservation, education, and research. They have published a tool to find your ecological region and discover plant species suited to local conditions called the Ecoregional Planting Guide
Minnesota DNR – Going Native: A Prairie Restoration Handbook is a detailed, landowner-focused guide to planning and establishing native prairie habitat.
The Minnesota Native Plant Society (MNNPS.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and appreciation of Minnesota’s native plants and plant communities through education and public awareness.
Understanding the soil conditions in your project is one of the keys to a successful habitat. The Soil Testing Laboratory at the Univ. of MN provides testing for a nominal charge. Send in your soil to learn what plant nutrients you may be lacking and to guide you in your plant selection.
Wild Ones certifies gardens of all sizes that support native plants, local wildlife, and sustainable gardening practices. Whether you’re just getting started or stewarding a mature landscape, your garden can join the movement. By certifying your habitat, you celebrate your commitment to biodiversity, spark meaningful conversations with your community, and help fund Wild Ones’ mission to promote native landscapes through education, advocacy, and collaborative action.
Here is an informative archive library of the previous Wild Ones Journals