Community Conservation

Turn your yard into an environmental hero! Create buzzing pollinator havens, install water-saving rain gardens, or plant native species that thrive with minimal care. We offer free workshops and grants up to $1,000 to help you get started. Save time, save money, and help save our local ecosystem—all while creating a more beautiful Burnsville!

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Native Prairie Volunteer Opportunity

Grab your gloves and join us in the dirt! 

Saturday, Oct. 11  |  9 - 11 a.m.  |  Terrace Oaks Eat

We’re teaming up with volunteers of all ages to plant native flowers and grasses in Burnsville parks. It’s a hands-on way to learn, connect with neighbors and leave a lasting mark on our community.

Let us know you're coming

Oak Savanna Restoration Tour

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025
5 - 7 p.m.
Terrace Oaks West Park

This event is now full and registration has closed

Join our natural resources team on this field tour of Terrace Oaks Park. We'll take a look at our oak savanna restoration work go over the steps in the restoration process and why these projects are so important. Bring your questions! we will discuss how to restore an area infested with buckthorn, including removal steps and long-term management considerations.

This tour will cover a 1/2 mile area of packed dirt/grass trails with a few short, moderately steep hills. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. The tour may be cancelled due to poor weather, registered participants will be notified with updates via email. 

Open to all Burnsville residents.

Lawns Reimagined

Transform your lawn into a vibrant habitat for endangered pollinators like the rusty patched bumble bee (spotted right here in Burnsville)!

Reminder: All pollinator-friendly yards must follow City ordinances (Section 7-1-9).

coneflower and landscape

Why Go Bee-Friendly?

  • Create crucial habitat for declining pollinators
  • Slash your water bills
  • Spend less time mowing, more time enjoying
  • Add stunning colors and natural beauty to your property

Join Our Free Workshop

Thursday, Oct. 23
6 - 7:30 p.m.
City Hall

Join our natural resources technician, John, for a free workshop to learn about the benefits, installation, maintenance and grant opportunities to get started with your pollinator or meadow lawn. 

This free workshop is open to all Burnsville residents, registration required

Register for the workshop

Native Plant Market

This event happens each May. Stay tuned for next year!

Plant Market 2018 013

Pollinator Workshop and Nature Walk

Be on the look out for the next pollinator walk in 2026!

This two part learning experience consists of a pollinator walk through Civic Center Prairie followed by a a presentation at City Hall on attracting pollinators with native plants. In the event of poor weather the pollinator walk will be cancelled.

This event is open to Burnsville residents only.

Neighborhood Water Resources Enhancement Grant

4-5. Raingarden
Shoreline restoration in progress
Frontyard raingarden

Quick Facts

  • Round 1 Deadline: May 23, 2025
  • Award Amount: Up to $1,000 per project
  • Payment: Reimbursement after project completion

Who Can Apply?

Burnsville residents, neighborhood groups, and local businesses

Eligible Projects and Project-Specific Details to Include

Rain Gardens (highest priority)

  • Plant species and layout
  • Size of watershed area (in square feet)
  • Garden dimensions

Shoreline Projects (second highest priority)

  • Current shoreline condition
  • Restoration area size
  • Native plant details

Native Gardens

  • Plant list and layout
  • Project size
  • Long-term maintenance plan

What Makes a Winning Application?

  • Complete, detailed information
  • Participation in Dakota County SWCD's Landscaping for Clean Water Program
  • Clear project drawings/sketches
  • High water quality impact
  • Evidence of knowledge to successfully complete the project

How to Apply

  1. Download the GRANT APPLICATION (fillable PDF); save as "[Your Name] Grant Application"
  2. Complete all required fields and attach additional pages if needed
  3. Submit to John Stelzner:

Important: Only make purchases AFTER your grant agreement is signed by the City

Rain Gardens & Landscaping for Clean Water

A rain garden is a shallow depression that captures runoff from hard surfaces, reducing water entering storm sewers and local waterbodies. These gardens not only prevent pollution and replenish groundwater but also beautify your property!

Learn the Basics at Landscaping For Clean Water Workshop

  • Attend a Workshop: Join the Workshop in spring, hosted by Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation District

Get Financial Help

  • Apply for Funding: Burnsville residents can access grants for rain gardens and water quality projects through the Neighborhood Water Resources Enhancement Grant

Rain Barrels

Collect roof runoff to protect waterways and water your garden! Purchase ready-made barrels or build your own.