The program supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitate research, technical assistance, education, and training for science-based management of the national park system

The Department of the Interior National Park Service National Office awarded a $347,925 Cooperative Agreement to George Mason University under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) program. The agreement supports a comprehensive network of Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units to facilitate research, technical assistance, education, and training for science-based management of the National Park System. Through this award, George Mason University will conduct long-term monitoring of more than 2,700 acres of native grassland restoration projects across 37 national parks in the National Capital, Northeast, and Southeast regions. The monitoring will inform adaptive management and use vegetation and pollinator surveys to support long-term maintenance of the restored grasslands. Key beneficiaries include state/local governments, tribal governments, nonprofits, and the public. The award has an ultimate completion date of March 31, 2030.

These study units enable multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products across various geographic regions. With more than 90% of native grasslands in the US lost, 37 parks in the national capital, northeast, and southeast regions are restoring more than 2,700 acres of degraded and agricultural lands into native grasslands. The cooperator will conduct the long-term monitoring to inform management in the post-establishment phase of grassland restorations. Long-term maintenance will use adaptive management and be informed by vegetation and pollinator surveys. Beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public and private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit higher education institutions, and the public.