This $897,744 federal Project Grant awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) supports research by the Chicago Horticultural Society (CHS) to explore the conservation potential of urban lawns and evaluate native plant alternatives. The key products and services to be delivered through this 5-year award include:
Conducting in-situ and controlled experiments to quantify the ecosystem service benefits (e.g. supporting pollinators, stormwater infiltration, urban cooling, carbon storage) of converting or enhancing traditional turfgrass lawns with native plant species in the Chicago park system.
Developing evidence-based strategies for integrating native plants into existing lawns to improve biodiversity and ecosystem function, drawing on greenhouse experiments to assess the ability of native prairie species to establish in turfgrass systems.
Establishing learning gardens with interpretive signage in Chicago parks and implementing broad communication efforts to educate the public on the benefits of lawn alternatives.
The project aims to provide urban land managers and homeowners with science-based guidance on enhancing the ecological value of lawns through native plant integration. Subawards are planned as part of this grant.