When used in excess, sidewalk and road salts can have damaging effects on our waterways. One way we can care for our waterways and local ecosystems is by using alternatives to salts that still melt ice and keep us safe during the winter.

As I have become involved with a local tree planting group following a devastating wind storm, fruit trees have become my passion! Not only do they provide fresh fruit but they also serve as important homes for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

Curious to learn more about native and non-native plants in Minnesota? Check out Minnesota Wildflower's extensive, education-focused site to learn about wild plants, from wildflowers and grasses to trees and vines. Learn about how you can care for these species in our outdoor Minnesota spaces.

Pollinators are our friends: they are responsible for pollinating three-fourths of all flowering plants and the crops that produce over one third of the world's food supply! One of the best ways you can help pollinators is by planting pollinator-friendly plants and gardens at home.

Lawns can both be places for play and homes for pollinators. See the tips below for turning your lawn into a pollinator-friendly space.

One way to care for the tree canopy in your yard, neighborhood, local schools, and parks is through pruning and maintinence. Caring for and pruning trees & shrubs properly, especially in the first few years of life, is essential for their long term health. I have held a few tree maintenance workshops in my home community at our local high school. There are also universities and companies that offer tree maintenance workshops. This is a great way to involve kids of all ages in tree care!

Planting trees and shrubs around your home can help reduce your energy bill, act as a windbreak, and improve air quality for you and your neighbors.

Leaving lawn clippings after mowing is a great source of nutrients for your lawn and improves soil health.

Help the University of Minnesota collect bee data. You can report bee and other pollinator sightings in your community to help with bee research.

Add one or a few rainbarrels around your home to collect rainwater during warmer months. Use this to water your garden and lawn.

Do you live in a community where there is no curbside composting pickup? Some communities, such as Ramsey County, have compost drop-off sites. But if this isn't an option for you either, consider starting a community composting program. This is especially helpful if you or your neighbors don't have space for a backyard compost pile.