Through Blooming Boulevards, we engage residents in communities impacted by environmental injustices to receive  pollinator-friendly boulevard rain gardens, taking part in planting and maintenance events. We also partner with local youth/young adult groups on learning and paid work opportunities. We are building ongoing relationships through this program; every year, we learn more about better supporting residents, their gardens and the environment, and providing learning opportunities.

In 2025, over 100 residents engaged in community boulevard planting and maintenance events. We planted 4,021 sq. ft. of boulevard gardens with native pollinator habitat at 18 sites. This included a large community planting of over 1,300 square feet, where more than 50 community members and Sustainable Landcare Training participants planted over 700 native plants! We estimate that these boulevard rain gardens will capture 268,177 gallons of stormwater runoff. 

With a focus on equitable engagement, 90% of boulevard recipients identified as BIPOC, and over $23,000 was paid to community partners and BIPOC-owned businesses. Every participant received tools and garden care materials to support stewardship beyond planting day.

Community partnerships are central to this work. We partnered with Helping Hand Companies, which supports local youth to earn money, to plant and care for the boulevard gardens. Our team also facilitated discussions on Environmental Justice at Little Earth Community Center and the Regional Apprenticeship Training Center (RATC) in North Minneapolis. In 2024, young entrepreneurs at Green Garden Bakery took part in our winter seed-sowing workshop and then together we planted the native plants in their boulevard rain garden. Some of the people we connect with later join our Sustainable Landcare Training program to deepen their skill base in maintaining green infrastructure practices.

In fall 2025, we conducted a comprehensive inspection to evaluate boulevard gardens planted in 2024 and 2025. Despite challenges, the majority of gardens are thriving, improving water quality, restoring habitat, and strengthening neighborhood connections. This inspection provides a clear path for targeted maintenance in 2026 to ensure long-term garden success.

Partners: All Nations Youth and Community Assistance Program, Beloved Communities, Green Garden Bakery, Helping Hand Companies, Little Earth, Regional Apprenticeship Training Center