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SUNY ESF
Lawn to Meadow Program

A hand dropping seeds in the soilLawns are a staple American landscape feature, currently covering more area in the lower 48 states than National Parks. However, they pose a significant threat to biodiversity, causing habitat loss and fragmentation for native species. Lawns also require extensive time and resources to maintain while supporting little to no ecological benefits.
The RSC is working to address these issues through our Lawn to Meadow Program, a component of the Conservation on Private Lands Initiative. Working with landowners, we are overseeing and assisting the transition of traditional lawns to diverse and beneficial meadows. There are many reasons landowners choose to convert their land to meadows, including a desire to protect water quality, reduce soil erosion, enhance habitat for wildlife, save money on lawn care, and the aesthetic appeal of this beautiful landscape feature. Whatever the draw may be, we work beside landowners to produce dynamic meadows that fit their needs while also benefiting the environment.
In 2021 we worked with landowners around Skaneateles Lake to plant meadows on their properties. With generous support from the CNY Community Foundation, we were also able to develop an amazing resource for you: a Central New York pocket guide for converting lawns to meadows. 

Landowner's Pocket Guide

Photos

  • Jess Proctor, raking soil
  • First plants emerging in meadows
  • Sam Quinn explaining meadow seeding procedure
  • Sam Quinn seeding a meadow.
  • Students and land owner seeding a meadow
  • water drops on young meadow plants

 

Making a Meadow 

Video Series Companion Documents

Meadow Creatures

  • Easter bluebird sitting on nestbox
  • Monarch butterfly sitting on milkweed leaf.
  • Dogs love meadows.
  • Grasshopper in meadow
  • American Robins nesting near a meadow.
  • Slug found in meadow
  • Meadows provide cover for American toads.

 

Sponsors

This work would not be possible without the support of our growing number of partners!

skaneateles lake association clear lake pure water central new york community foundationernst seeds

go native perennialscentral new york community foundation