Saving creeks and lakes, one lawn at a time

Some communities are trying to change the manicured-lawn mindset to reduce chemical runoff.

Michele Tibodeau has a new front yard, courtesy of her watershed district in Maplewood.

Last week, she gave a tour and listed some of the new native plants she'll see for the first time when they bloom this summer. At this point, they are all just exotic names on her smart phone.

"Prairie dropseed," said Tibodeau, 33, as she scrolled down. "Butterfly weed. Blazing Star. Autumn Magic Black Choke Berry."

Read more in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.