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Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement
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<br />Blue Thumb Program Goals & Strategies
<br />Program Goal
<br />The Blue Thumb program was created to improve water quality and habitat. The program will promote the use of
<br />plants, primarily through retailers, as an alternative to turf, to reduce stormwater runoff and as a method for stabilizing
<br />shorelines.
<br />Strategies to Be Implemented in 2008 to Reach Program Goal
<br />1. Outreach and Education on Native Gardens, Raingardens and Lakeshore Stabilization using Native Plants
<br />a. Promote Blue Thumb via website
<br />b. Promote Blue Thumb via a minimum of So workshops and presentations to residents and stakeholder groups in
<br />zoo8
<br />c. Implement a "train the trainer" program on giving presentations
<br />d. Promote Blue Thumb via a minimum of no press releases
<br />e. Promote Blue Thumb via a minimum of 3o newsletter articles
<br />f. Promote Blue Thumb at a minimum of 6o events (e.g. State Fair, county fairs, "green" fairs, lawn and garden
<br />shows, etc.)
<br />g. Promote Blue Thumb in libraries, city halls, yard signs, Blue Sky Guide, media campaign, 2009 calendar
<br />II. Private Industry
<br />a. Collaborate to effectively promote native plantings and raingardens
<br />b. Develop various display and promotional methods that fit the needs of private industry partners
<br />c. With retailers, monitor marketing techniques and adapt accordingly
<br />d. Collaborate to identify methods that make it easy for residents to purchase plants (e.g. plant drop -offs, plant
<br />sales etc.)
<br />e. Incorporate Blue Thumb plantings in public spaces (with signage from the private company as well as Blue
<br />Thumb) - schools, city halls, libraries, parks, shops...
<br />f. Have the The Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens" available for retail
<br />III. Work with other agencies to expand the Blue Thumb program:
<br />a. Give presentation(s) to other agencies to introduce concept
<br />b. Have cities and other MS4s use the Blue Thumb program to help satisfy their federal Clean Water Azt mandates
<br />(SWPPP requirements).
<br />IV. Website Development
<br />a. Create a page where partners can enter their action hours
<br />b. Blue Thumb "library" page for partners only
<br />c. Create a virtual tour of the Blue Thumb projects
<br />d. Create a new online video for the "how -to's" of native gardens and lakeshore stabilization
<br />Blue Thumb Standards Manual and Partners' Agreement 5
<br />Blue Thumb Program Overview
<br />Overview
<br />The Blue Thumb program was created to encourage homeowners to use native plants in gardens, plant raingardens, and
<br />stabilize shoreline property with native plants to improve water quality. The Blue Thumb program does not encompass
<br />all best management practices (BMPs) such as pervious and porous pavers, rain barrels, etc.
<br />Although the program was created by Rice Creek Watershed District, it is intended for use throughout the Midwest. A
<br />steering committee, consisting of representatives from various Blue Thumb partner organizations, sets program goals
<br />and determines the strategic plan for the program.
<br />• • Main Components of the Blue Thumb program:
<br />• •
<br />I. User - friendly website BlueThumb.org
<br />A. Partners of the Blue Thumb — Planting for Clean WaterTM program will be on the Blue Thumb
<br />website on all applicable pages, i.e. partners, stores, grants, new stories).
<br />II. Collaborating on Educational and Outreach Efforts
<br />A. Educational and promotional materials available for purchase.
<br />Materials include raingarden guide, banners, brochures, bookmarks, posters, stickers and table -top
<br />kiosks. Go to bluethumb.org/files to download the order form (pdf document) and then fax it in to
<br />Dawn Pape (763 -398- 3088). We are looking to develop whatever promotional material partners find
<br />useful such as plant tags.
<br />B. Partnerships
<br />The Blue Thumb program strengthens educational efforts in both the public and private sectors
<br />through the collaboration of local governmental units (watershed districts, conservation districts,
<br />cities, counties), non - profits, gardening organizations, schools, universities, extension services, private
<br />sector nurseries, garden centers, landscapers, contractors and consultants.
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