Let's Grow Native!

Upcoming events & opportunities: 

Seed Collection Volunteer Event

  • Wednesday, October 4, 2023
  • 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
  • Alimagnet Park, 1200 Alimagnet Parkway

Volunteer to collect native seeds from a local prairie, which will be used to restore other natural areas in Burnsville! Learn more and register for this event.

Native Planting Volunteer Event

  • Saturday, October 14, 2023
  • 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
  • Highland View Park, 12000 Connelly Dr.

Volunteer with us to plant native plants at Highland View Park! No experience with native plants is necessary to volunteer! Registration is required. Learn more about this event.

Lawns Reimagined Workshop

  • Wednesday, October 25, 2023
  • 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway

Looking for some sustainable landscaping ideas? Join us for the 5th annual workshop. You'll learn the steps to installing a pollinator lawn and meadow lawn - beautiful ways to convert some of your turf to beneficial habitat. Registration required. Learn more about the event. 

A controlled fire in a wooded area

Why native plants? 

Native plants historically grew in this area and are adapted to the local climate and soil types. They are part of the local natural community and provide resources for wildlife. Their deep roots prevent soil erosion, improve soil health, help soil hold more water and filter pollution. Native plants will not take over natural places like woods and prairies, unlike non-native plants such as European Buckthorn and Purple Loosestrife.  

Want to see native plants in the City? Explore the many natural areas throughout Burnsville, and visit the Civic Center Prairie, a large-scale turf to prairie conversion (pictured). 

In the home garden, native plants provide the same environmental benefits, in addition to needing very little care once they establish. They can be found an many local nurseries, and even at the annual City of Burnsville Native Plant Market. 

Civic Center Prairie

Environmentally-friendly landscaping

Natural areas have many environmental benefits, but did you know your yard can make a difference too? 

Projects that benefit pollinators, water quality and wildlife include: 

  • Planting a native garden 
  • Converting turf to prairie (a.k.a. native planting) 
  • Creating a pollinator lawn
  • Installing a rain garden

Visit our resource page to find a project that is right for you, and learn about City ordinances related to certain projects.

Plant for pollinators

bumble bee on bee balm

Landscape for water quality

Shoreline restoration in progress

Provide habitat for birds

Cedar Waxwing