Chapters in Minnesota

Program TBD

We will be hosting Dustin Demmer's Blazing Star Gardens' Native Plant Sale in Northfield - Great opportunity to come and purchase high quality native plants.
Cover photo - by Dustin Demmer of part of one of his gardens.
PRE-ORDERING AVAILABLE: https://www.blazingstargardens.com/ 

Bex is a master naturalist who has thoughtfully transformed her small suburban lot into a dynamic native habitat. The front yard, converted to a tall grass prairie in 2023 (with support of a Lawns to Legumes grant), is now in its third growing season. In the backyard, invasive species have been removed to make way for native plantings, alongside a natural pond that supports wildlife.

Ongoing restoration efforts include developing wetland overflow, installation of a dry stream for stormwater management, and expanding prairie and pocket forest plantings. Bex has also installed habitat features such as amphibian shelters, bat and bird houses, and other nesting structures to support wildlife. With continued work to replace turf and enhance biodiversity, this garden is an evolving example of community driven conservation in an urban setting.

We hope you can join us on June 27th as Bex guides us through her transformed property!

This corner plot of downtown Chaska is a National Wildlife Federation–certified habitat that continues to evolve with a focus on adding native plants amongst the current non-natives to attract pollinators and birds. A Fall 2025 Lawns to Legumes grant supported the expansion of current planting beds, the renovation of a shade garden, and the addition of shrubs to enhance habitat for birds.

Over the past few years, several invasive species (including Snow on the Mountain, Vinca, and Lily of the Valley) have been steadily removed and replaced with native plants, creating a more diverse and ecologically functional landscape. With a strong focus on supporting pollinators and birds, the host enjoys trialing new trends and techniques in her garden.

Over the past 3–4 years, this suburban yard has been gradually transformed into a diverse native plant landscape, largely grown from winter-sown plants. About half of the front yard now features native plantings, including a 12×18’ tapestry lawn installed with support from a Lawns to Legumes grant.

In the larger backyard, roughly one-third of the space has been converted into multiple native planting beds connected by mulched paths. New trees—including white swamp oak, serviceberry, and chokecherry—add structure, while former lawn and garden areas continue to evolve with native flowers. The landscape also incorporates raised vegetable beds, blending habitat-focused gardening with edible plantings.