Accessibility for All at State ParksThanks to the dedicated disability justice organizers in our state, all-terrain track chairs are now available at 13 Minnesota State Parks. Track chairs are all-terrain, electric-powered chairs that can be used on designated trails within the park. These chairs can help visitors explore areas of the state parks in new ways, often on trails that are not suitable for regular wheelchairs. Track chairs are available year-round in some locations, and seasonally in others. To reserve a chair, call the park you plan to visit.  Sewer Service GrantMCES has a grant for nearby Crystal homeowners needing to line, repair or replace sewer service. Your project must reduce infiltration and inflow of groundwater, stormwater or sump pump discharge into the sewer system. You can learn more at http://go.crystalmn.gov/WaterDivision.  Tree Planting and Green Space in MinnesotaThe U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded over $33 million to fund tree-planting projects across the state, part of a national $1.13 billion investment in 2023. Trees are vital for Minnesota's environment, cleaning our air, and preventing erosion. All Minnesotans, regardless of location, deserve the benefits of a healthy environment with access to trees and green spaces. Lawns to Legumes FundingDo you want your lawn to be more pollinator-friendly? Minnesota residents can now apply for spring 2025 Lawns to Legumes funding! The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching, and gardening resources. Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitats in their yards. Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you must reapply to be considered for spring 2025 funding. Apply online at Blue Thumb’s website. For more information about Lawns to Legumes, visit BWSR’s website.  |