Provide data on natural resources
The natural resources interactive map includes detailed natural resources information that can be used to make everyday land use decisions and help with larger planning efforts.
Protect and restore natural areas
The county enhances natural areas and improves water quality by taking an increasingly strategic approach to planning, prioritizing, and partnering on natural resources projects.
A variety of funding and expert assistance are available for natural resources projects, including natural resources good steward and opportunity grants, aquatic invasive species prevention grants, healthy tree canopy grants, and funding and loans for rural and agricultural landowners.
Through the establishment of conservation easements, the county works with landowners to protect and restore habitat.
Enhance the tree canopy and promote sustainable landscaping
Hennepin County foresters conduct tree plantings, grow trees in a gravel-bed nursery, and offer grants to cities, affordable housing properties, schools and nonprofit organizations to combat threats from invasive species and disease, increase the diversity and resiliency of the tree canopy, and educate the public. Learn about the programs and resources to help protect and enhance the tree canopy.
The county also promotes the use of sustainable landscaping to protect pollinators and improve water quality.
Address invasive species
The county disperses state funding through grants and partnerships to innovative programs that prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The county has also developed resources that help residents and partners understand the threat that emerald ash borer poses to our tree canopy and option for managing ash trees.
Clean up contaminated sites
Hennepin County supports the redevelopment of contaminated properties known as brownfields with several grant and loan programs.
Promote stewardship of natural resources
Provide resources and encourage residents in urban, suburban, and rural parts of the county to take actions that protect land and water.