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Learn about native species and ecological landscaping tips from a Minnesota Master Naturalist.
Salt-Tolerant Native Plants for Tough Spaces
Salt has an essential role in winter safety, but it needs to be used sparingly and smartly to protect plants and freshwater. Where salt pollution is present in gardens, use native plants that are adapted to tolerate salty soil conditions. These tough growers can take a lot of abuse, making them ideal for boulevard gardens and rain gardens receiving road runoff. Use them to create habitat and support pollinators in difficult soil conditions!
Planting for Rusty-Patched Bumble Bees
The rusty-patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) once buzzed across half of North America, ranging from the Atlantic seaboard to the Dakotas. But habitat loss, pesticide use, and introduced diseases have decimated rusty-patched bumble bee populations. Restoring rusty-patched bumble bee populations is a task requiring many partners. But it’s easy to take important action on an individual level too. People living in regions with remaining rusty-patched bumble bee populations can add native plants that offer essential nutrition for rusty-patched bumble bees.