The Ultimate Guide to Turning Your Turf Lawn into a Native Lawn or Meadow
Transitioning from a conventional turf lawn to a native wildflower meadow or a durable, walkable native plant lawn offers an opportunity to improve our environment's health while maintaining the beauty and functionality of a traditional lawn.
Native plant lawns support vital pollinators, reduce the need for harmful chemicals, and are better suited to our local climate, requiring less water and maintenance.
With a little planning, we can enjoy the same aesthetic and practical benefits of a conventional lawn but with far greater ecological value and resilience. This guide will show you how to make this rewarding shift and enhance your landscape and the surrounding ecosystem.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Native Landscape
Step 1: Assess Your Space
When deciding to replace your turf with a native plant lawn, it's essential to first assess how you plan to use the space. Whether you're looking for a walkable, low-maintenance lawn or a tall wildflower meadow, your plant choices will depend on the space’s intended function and environmental conditions.
Consider the amount of sunlight the area receives, how much foot traffic the space will get, and how much shade or water the area might have.
You’ll also need to take measurements and determine the exact square footage to calculate how much material and seed you will need. This initial assessment will guide you in creating a native plant lawn that not only supports local ecosystems but also meets your practical and aesthetic goals.
Step 2: Get Rid of Your Lawn
Method: Mow, Mulch, Soil, and Seed
This method is highly effective for converting a lawn into a native planting area due to its multiple ecological benefits:
Suppresses Existing Grass and Weeds: The thick layer of wood chips effectively smothers the existing turf, reducing the need for labor-intensive removal. Organic mulches like wood chips can suppress weed growth by up to 90%, minimizing the need for herbicides.
Builds Healthy Soil: As the wood chips decompose, they enrich the soil with organic matter, creating an ideal growing medium for native plants. Wood chip mulch increases soil microbial activity and nutrient content, promoting healthier plant growth.
Promotes Biodiversity: The added soil layer provides a perfect bed for seeding, allowing for a more diverse and successful native planting. Increasing soil organic matter through mulch application can enhance plant diversity and support a wider range of pollinators and other beneficial insects.
The Mow, Mulch, Soil and Seed Method:
Mow the Turf Short: Mow the existing turf grass as short as possible. This step reduces competition from existing grass and facilitates the application of mulch.
Apply Wood Chips: Cover the lawn with 8–12 inches of wood chips. This layer suppresses grass and weeds while gradually decomposing to enrich the soil, creating a healthy planting medium over time. Using wood chips as mulch also improves soil moisture retention, reducing the need for frequent watering and promoting a sustainable landscape.
Arborist wood chips are ideal because they include a mix of chip sizes, which decompose at different rates, providing long-term benefits to the soil. These chips are often free through services like Get Chip Drop. Donating $20 to the service is recommended, as it pays for the arborists to use the service.
Consider requesting a log drop as well if you can maneuver them. Logs are excellent for building a native plant lawn or meadow because they provide habitat for beneficial insects and fungi, support soil health, and create microclimates that encourage plant diversity.
If you prefer to purchase wood chips instead of obtaining free ones or would like to purchase soil from the closest dealer, here are three local suppliers in the Portland area:
Add Soil: Spread 1-2 inches of rich, compost-enriched soil over the wood chips. The previously listed suppliers can let you know their most nutrient-dense blend. This thin layer provides a seedbed for native plants while retaining the benefits of the decomposing mulch. Compost-enriched soil enhances the nutrient content, further supporting robust plant growth.
Seed the Area: Broadcast your selected native plant seeds evenly across the prepared area. Lightly rake with a wire rake to ensure good soil contact without burying the seeds deeply. This step is crucial for seed germination and successful establishment.
Avoid These Methods
Sod Removal: While effective, sod removal disturbs soil ecosystems and requires labor-intensive equipment. It can lead to soil erosion and loss of beneficial soil organisms. This method is only suggested when there has been a heavy infestation of invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry.
Cardboard Mulching: Cardboard decomposes unevenly, potentially impeding root growth and creating barriers to water infiltration. Research from the Journal of Environmental Management indicates that while cardboard can suppress weeds, its uneven decomposition can lead to poor soil aeration and water penetration, affecting plant health. This is only suggested when dealing with extreme herbaceous invasives like borage.
Solarization Limitations: Although solarization can effectively kill weeds and pathogens, it also sterilizes the soil, eliminating beneficial microorganisms. A study in Applied Soil Ecology found that solarization can significantly reduce soil microbial diversity, which is crucial for healthy plant growth. Additionally, plastic sheeting contributes to plastic waste, an environmental concern. We only suggest this method is there is a heavy infestation of ivy, or you live in a neighborhood that will not allow wood chips.
How to Calculate Materials
Here are some mathematical tips on how to calculate how much material you will need to cover your lawn with wood chips and soil and calculate the volume of seeds you will need:
Wood Chips: For an 8–12 inch layer, calculate the volume by multiplying the area in square feet by the desired depth in feet (e.g., 0.67 feet for 8 inches). One cubic yard covers 27 cubic feet, so divide your total cubic feet by 27 to determine how many cubic yards you need.
Soil: For a 1–2 inch layer, use the calculation above with a depth of 0.08–0.17 feet.
Seeds: Most seed packets cover approximately 100 square feet. Divide your total area by 100 to estimate your needed packets.
For example, for a 1,000 square foot yard:
Wood Chips: 1,000 sq ft × 0.67 ft = 670 cubic feet ÷ 27 = ~25 cubic yards
Soil: 1,000 sq ft × 0.08 ft = 80 cubic feet ÷ 27 = ~3 cubic yards
Seeds: 1,000 sq ft ÷ 100 = 10 seed packets
Step 2: Choosing Your Lawn or Meadow Type
Option 1: 100% Walkable and Durable Lawn
Walkable, Mowable, High Traffic, Drought Tolerant
The following plants create a highly durable, walkable, mowable lawn for high-traffic areas. It can be used and mowed like a traditional turf lawn. These flowers and grasses are highly drought-tolerant and withstand heavy traffic and pets. They don't need water after the first summer and will grow into a beautiful green wildflower meadow with white and purple flowers when not mowed.
California Oatgrass (Danthonia californica)
This grass is particularly beneficial for ground-nesting bees and provides a habitat for various grassland insects. It is an essential component of native grassland restoration efforts.
Max Height: 12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Selfheal is a magnet for a variety of pollinators, including bumblebees (Bombus spp.), honeybees (Apis mellifera), and butterflies such as the small skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris). It also supports hoverflies (Syrphidae), which are excellent for biological pest control.
Max Height: 6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
Yarrow attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bumblebees (Bombus spp.), solitary bees, and butterflies like the painted lady (Vanessa cardui). It also provides seeds for birds such as the American goldfinch (Spinus tristis). This plant is known for its medicinal properties and its role in supporting biodiversity.
Max Height: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
Option 2: Walkable, Durable & No Mow
Walkable, No-Mow, High Traffic, Drought Tolerant
The following plants are perfect for a highly durable, walkable, no-mow lawn in high-traffic areas. They form a soft, dense lawn that stays under 4 inches in height, providing a lush, walkable surface that requires no mowing. In addition to being low-maintenance, they support a vibrant ecosystem by attracting pollinators, beneficial insects, and birds.
Attracts solitary bees and butterflies and provides a habitat for beneficial predatory insects.
Max Height: 3-4 inches (8-10 cm)
Bloom Time: May-July
Yaak Yarrow (Achillea millefolium 'Yaak')
Supports bumblebees (Bombus spp.), solitary bees, and butterflies, while offering seeds for birds like the American goldfinch (Spinus tristis).
Max Height: 4 inches (10 cm)
Bloom Time: May-September
Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris)
Max Height: 4-8 inches (10-20 cm)
Bloom Time: June-September
Option 3: Walkable, Moderately Durable, Mowable Lawn
(Use with Plants from Option 1 List)
Walkable, Mowable, Moderate Traffic, Drought Tolerant
For a functional and visually appealing lawn that can be mowed and supports moderate use, add all of the plants from option one and enhance them with the plants on this list.
This combination of plants and grasses offers numerous benefits for your landscape, including supporting wildlife habitats, reducing the need for intensive lawn maintenance, and enhancing biodiversity. It's also a mow-at-will lawn, meaning you can mow and use it when you want, but if you don't want to mow, it will form a beautiful native wildflower meadow.
These native plants, while attractive and functional as a lawn, also support vital ecosystems by providing food sources, habitat, and nesting opportunities for pollinators and beneficial insects. This creates a healthy and self-sustaining environment, minimizing the need for chemical inputs and mowing.
Streambank Clover (Trifolium wormskioldii)
Attracts a variety of pollinators, including bumblebees (Bombus spp.) and honeybees (Apis mellifera). It also supports butterflies and provides nectar for beneficial insects.
Max Height: 6 inches (15 cm)
Bloom Time: May-July
Golden Aster (Heterotheca villosa)
Favored by bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. It also serves as a food source for native bees and provides seeds for birds.
Max Height: 6 inches (15 cm)
Bloom Time: July-September
Golden Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium californicum)
Supports small native bees and provides habitat for beneficial insects. Its bright yellow flowers attract a variety of pollinators.
Max Height: 6 inches (15 cm)
Bloom Time: May-July
Canary Violet (Viola praemorsa)
Supports native bees and butterflies. It also serves as a host plant for certain butterfly species, providing crucial habitat.
Max Height: 6 inches (15 cm)
Bloom Time: April-May
Sea Thrift (Armeria maritime)
Sea Thrift attracts bumblebees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its compact growth and vibrant pink flowers add visual interest to the lawn.
Max Height: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Bloom Time: April-July
Option 4: Low-Growing Wildflower Meadow (Max Height 2 Ft)
(Add Plants from Option 1 +3 List)
Low Traffic, No Mow, Drought Tolerant
This low-growing wildflower meadow is ideal for a natural, low-maintenance landscape with seasonal floral displays supporting various pollinators and beneficial insects. Along with the plants from lists one and three, this list is well-suited for areas requiring minimal upkeep while providing ecological benefits like promoting pollinator health, supporting native wildlife, and reducing water usage.
Nodding Pink Onion (Allium cernuum)
Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, including solitary species and honeybees, which rely on native plants for food. Butterflies and moths also visit the flowers for nectar, contributing to pollination. The plant’s seeds provide a bird food source, and its foliage offers shelter for small mammals and insects.
Max height: 12 inches
Bloom Time: July-August.
Wild Hyacinth (Camassia quamash)
Its striking blue flowers attract a range of bees, including honeybees and native solitary bees, drawn to its abundant nectar. Butterflies, particularly species like the swallowtail, also visit the flowers for nourishment. The plant’s bulbs also provide food for wildlife like rodents and small mammals, while its dense foliage offers cover and shelter.
Max Height: 12 inches
Bloom Time: April-June
Grass Widow (Sisyrinchium douglasii)
Its vibrant purple flowers attract a variety of bees, including solitary bee species, which rely on its nectar for sustenance. The plant’s delicate blooms also provide food for butterflies, particularly those in the skippers and fritillaries families.
Max Height: 12 inches
Bloom Time: March-May
Blue Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum)
Its striking blue-purple flowers attract bees, including honeybees and native solitary species, which rely on the plant’s nectar for food. Butterflies, such as those in the swallowtail and skipper families, also visit the flowers.
Max Height: 12 inches
Bloom Time: March-May
Douglas Meadowfoam (Limnanthes douglasii)
Its bright white flowers with yellow centers attract native bees, including bumblebees, hoverflies, and solitary species, which depend on its abundant nectar and pollen. The plant also draws butterflies for nourishment, particularly those in the skippers and fritillaries families.
Max Height: 6-12 inches
Bloom Time: April-June
Common Camas (Camassia quamash)
Its striking blue flowers attract a wide range of bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary bee species, all of which rely on its nectar and pollen. Butterflies, especially those in the swallowtail and fritillary families, are also drawn to the blooms for sustenance.
Max Height: 18-24 inches
Bloom Time: April-May
Blue Wildrye (Elymus glaucus)
Its tall, grass-like structure attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths, which rely on its flowers for nectar. The plant’s dense clumps also provide habitat for small mammals, birds, and insects, offering shelter and food. Additionally, the seeds of Blue wildrye are consumed by birds, contributing to the plant’s role in sustaining local wildlife.
Max Height: 24-36 inches
Bloom Time: May-July
Diamond & Winecup Clarkia (Clarkia amoena)
Its bright pink to purple flowers attract bees, including honeybees and native solitary species, which rely on the nectar for food. Butterflies, particularly those in the skippers and swallowtails families, are also drawn to the blooms.
Max Height: 12-18 inches
Bloom Time: May-July
Showy Fleabane (Erigeron speciosus)
Its bright purple to pink flowers attract various bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary species, which rely on its nectar for food. Butterflies, especially those in the brushfoot and swallowtail families, are also drawn to its blooms. The plant’s seeds provide a food source for birds, particularly finches and sparrows.
Max Height: 12-24 inches
Bloom Time: May-September
Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum)
Its bright yellow flowers attract many bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and native solitary bees, which rely on its nectar for nourishment. Butterflies, particularly those in the swallowtail and skipper families, are also drawn to its blooms.
Max Height: 6-12 inches
Bloom Time: May-August
Globe Gilla (Gilia capitata)
Its round, lavender-to-blue flowers attract many bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary species, which rely on its nectar and pollen. The plant also draws butterflies, especially skippers, and swallowtails, for their nectar. In addition to pollinators, Globe gilia’s seeds provide a food source for birds,
Max Height: 12-18 inches
Bloom Time: May-July
Option 5: Tall Full Sun Wildflower Meadow
(Add Plants from Option 1 +3+4 List)
No Traffic, No Mow, Drought Tolerant, Tall
This vibrant meadow offers aesthetic beauty and plays a vital role in supporting local wildlife. Along with the grasses and flowers listed in options one, three, and four, this meadow encourages a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for ecosystem health.
Additionally, including milkweed is particularly beneficial for monarch butterflies, offering a safe space for their larvae. Many of these plants are also attractive to other insects, such as beneficial beetles and hoverflies, which help with natural pest control.
Puget Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza deltoidea)
Known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, this plant features large, yellow daisy-like flowers. The blooms offer abundant nectar for a variety of pollinators.
Max Height: 12-24 inches
Bloom Time: April-June
Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)
Essential for monarch butterfly larvae. It also attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, with its fragrant flowers.
Max Height: 24-48 inches
Bloom Time: June-August
Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana)
This plant supports various species of bees, which are drawn to its purple flowers for nectar.
Max Height: 12-24 inches
Bloom Time: March-May
Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
Known for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, Goldenrod is a late-blooming plant that provides nectar into the fall.
Max Height: 36-60 inches
Bloom Time: July-September
Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata)
This plant provides nectar for butterflies and bees, especially with its vibrant red and yellow blooms.
Max Height: 18-24 inches
Bloom Time: June-August
Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)
Attracting bees and butterflies, it supports pollinator populations with its bright, cheerful flowers.
Max Height: 12-36 inches
Bloom Time: May-July
Western Coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis)This plant helps attract bees and butterflies with its large, yellow blooms, providing essential nectar.
Max Height: 36-60 inches
Bloom Time: July-September
Henderson’s Checkermallow (Sidalcea hendersonii)This plant supports native pollinators like bees and butterflies, offering a delicate, pink flower to attract them.
Max Height: 24-36 inches
Bloom Time: June-August
Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)
Beneficial for pollinators, particularly bees, this plant produces yellow, daisy-like flowers that attract a variety of insect species.
Max Height: 24-36 inches
Bloom Time: August-October
Showy Tarweed (Madia elegans)Attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, with its bright yellow flowers.
Max Height: 12-36 inches
Bloom Time: July-October
Rose Checkermallow (Sidalcea virgata)Drawing in pollinators, particularly native bees, this plant produces pink flowers that support local ecosystems.
Max Height: 12-36 inches
Bloom Time: May-July
Lacey Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)Known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, Lacey Phacelia offers abundant nectar and pollen.
Max Height: 12-36 inches
Bloom Time: May-July
Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)Supporting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, Fireweed is a striking plant with tall, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in summer.
Max Height: 24-48 inches
Bloom Time: June-August
Nettleleaf Horsemint (Agastache urticifolia)A favorite for pollinators, particularly bees, this plant produces spikes of tubular flowers that attract a variety of insect species.
Max Height: 24-48 inches
Bloom Time: July-September
Farewell to Spring (Clarkia amoena)Attracting bees and butterflies, this plant offers vibrant pink to purple flowers, helping support local pollinator populations.
Max Height: 12-24 inches
Bloom Time: May-July
Grand Collomia (Collomia grandiflora)Known for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, this plant produces beautiful bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple and pink.
Max Height: 12-36 inches
Bloom Time: May-July
Option 6: Full-Dappled Shade Lawn
No Traffic, No Mow, Drought Tolerant, Shade Tolerant
This collection of native plants creates a lush, low-maintenance shade garden that mimics the understory of Oregon’s native forests. These plants thrive in moist, shaded conditions and help restore the natural beauty of forest ecosystems.
This plant selection is beneficial for local pollinators, birds, and insects. For example, Sword Fern supports various species of insects, while Wild Ginger attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to pollination. Foamflower is also a favorite of pollinators, and Salal provides food for birds, especially during the winter months.
Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)A classic fern that provides lush greenery to shaded forest areas, this plant supports local ecosystems and offers shelter for small wildlife.
Max Height: 24-36 inches
Bloom Time: N/A
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)Known for its delicate fronds, this fern supports a range of woodland species by providing cover and habitat for insects and small animals.
Max Height: 24-36 inches
Bloom Time: N/A
Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum)Low-growing and evergreen, Wild Ginger supports pollinators and offers shelter for insects. Its heart-shaped leaves make it a beautiful addition to shaded, forested areas.
Max Height: 6 inches
Bloom Time: April-June
Inside-Out Flower (Vancouveria hexandra)With its unique, delicate flowers, this plant attracts early-season pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It thrives in moist, shady environments.
Max Height: 12 inches
Bloom Time: May-July
Oxalis (Oxalis oregana)Oxalis grows in forested environments, attracting insects with its small, bright flowers and providing ground cover to prevent soil erosion.
Max Height: 6-12 inches
Bloom Time: April-June
Foamflower (Tiarella trifoliata)This plant provides nectar for pollinators and adds beauty with its star-shaped white flowers. It thrives in moist, shaded woodland habitats.
Max Height: 12-18 inches
Bloom Time: April-June
Salal (Gaultheria shallon)A key understory plant in Pacific Northwest forests, Salal attracts pollinators with its bell-shaped flowers and offers shelter for wildlife.
Max Height: 24-60 inches
Bloom Time: April-June
Red Huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium)Attracting birds and pollinators with its bright red berries and flowers, Red Huckleberry thrives in moist, acidic soils of shaded woodlands.
Max Height: 2-6 feet
Bloom Time: May-June
Ossoberry (Oemleria cerasiformis)Attracting bees and other pollinators with its fragrant white flowers, this plant provides edible fruit for birds and wildlife. It thrives in forest edges and moist areas.
Max Height: 6-12 feet
Bloom Time: March-April
Wood Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)A low-growing plant, Wood Strawberry attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies and provides small, sweet fruit that is enjoyed by wildlife.
Max Height: 6-12 inches
Bloom Time: April-June
Cascade Oregon Grape (Mahonia nervosa)This native shrub attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies with its bright yellow flowers. It produces dark purple berries that feed birds, and its evergreen foliage offers year-round cover for wildlife.
Max Height: 12-36 inches
Bloom Time: March-April
Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum)A beloved native plant, Western Trillium supports early-season pollinators like bees and butterflies and is an important part of shaded forest ecosystems.
Max Height: 12-24 inches
Bloom Time: March-May
False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum racemosum)This plant supports a variety of pollinators, especially early-season bees, and offers a food source for wildlife with its berries.
Max Height: 12-24 inches
Bloom Time: May-June
The Ecological Impact of Turning Lawns into Meadows in Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, has a unique opportunity to make a monumental ecological impact.
By converting the city’s 40,000 acres of conventional lawns into native plant lawns and meadows, Portland could become a global model for urban ecological restoration.
We're estimating the environmental, social, and economic benefits of such a transformation over the next 20 years, focusing on wildlife support, water conservation, chemical reduction, carbon sequestration, and the mental and physical health of the city’s inhabitants.
Increased Wildlife Support: Insects, Birds, and Pollinators
Converting lawns to native plant ecosystems would profoundly impact local wildlife, supporting a diverse array of pollinators, insects, and birds.
Insects and Pollinators:
Bees: Native meadows can support approximately 1,000–2,000 pollinators per acre. With 40,000 acres of lawn converted, Portland could support up to 80 million bees and other pollinators. This would significantly bolster the local population of honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary bees, which are vital for pollination in agricultural and natural systems.
Butterflies: Native meadows are also a haven for butterflies. Each acre could support around 15 species of butterflies, with a population of up to 600,000 butterflies across the 40,000 acres. This would help sustain critical butterfly species, including monarchs, which are declining due to habitat loss.
Other Insects: Native plant meadows provide vital habitats for hundreds of insect species, including beetles, ants, and dragonflies. Up to 500 insect species per acre could thrive, translating to 20 million insects across the 40,000 acres. These insects play a critical role in the food web, supporting other wildlife like birds, amphibians, and mammals.
Birds:
Songbirds: Native plant meadows and lawns provide crucial nesting and feeding grounds for songbirds. An acre of diverse native plants can support 50–100 songbirds, increasing 2–4 million songbirds in the 40,000-acre area. These birds are essential for controlling insect populations and maintaining balanced ecosystems.
Other Birds: In addition to songbirds, the transformed landscape would also support other bird species, including hawks, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds. This could lead to a population increase of 5–10 million birds across the 40,000 acres, contributing to biodiversity and overall ecosystem health.
Water Conservation and Chemical Reduction
Transitioning from conventional lawns to native plant meadows would significantly reduce water use and chemical applications.
Water Savings:
Conventional lawns require large amounts of water, with a typical 1,000-square-foot lawn using 30–50 gallons per week during the summer. By converting 40,000 acres of lawns into native plant meadows, water consumption could be reduced by up to 50%. Native plants are well-adapted to Portland’s climate and soil conditions, requiring far less water than lawns. This shift could save approximately 5 billion gallons of water per year over the next 20 years, reducing the city's water demand and conserving a valuable resource.
Chemical Reduction:
Traditional lawns often rely on synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, which can harm local ecosystems and public health. By replacing lawns with native plants, the need for these chemicals would be nearly eliminated.
On average, Portland’s 40,000 acres of lawn likely use about 500,000 pounds of fertilizers and pesticides annually. Converting to native ecosystems would cut this usage down to zero, preventing 10 million pounds of harmful chemicals from being released into the environment over the next 20 years. This would help improve soil and water quality and reduce the risks posed by chemical runoff.
Carbon Sequestration
Native plants play a vital role in capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere, which is essential for mitigating climate change.
Carbon Sequestration Potential:
Native plant meadows and lawns are highly effective at sequestering carbon. On average, native meadows sequester between 1–2 tons of CO2 per acre per year. With 40,000 acres of lawn converted to native ecosystems, Portland could sequester 1.6 million to 3.2 million tons of CO2 over the next 20 years. This carbon storage would significantly offset the city’s carbon emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Physical and Emotional Benefits for Inhabitants
Transforming Portland’s 40,000 acres of lawn into native plant meadows would also provide significant physical and emotional benefits to its residents.
Physical Health:
Access to green spaces has been shown to improve physical health by encouraging outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and wildlife observation. Native meadows and plantings provide an inviting, sustainable space for exercise and recreation. The presence of diverse plant life and the ability to connect with nature can lead to improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and better overall fitness.
Studies also show that regular exposure to nature improves immune function and reduces the prevalence of chronic conditions such as asthma and allergies, which could decrease healthcare costs over time.
Emotional Health:
Nature has been shown to significantly improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and stress. Studies have demonstrated that people living in proximity to natural areas have improved emotional well-being, including lower levels of anxiety and greater feelings of relaxation and happiness.
The beauty of native plant meadows, with their vibrant colors, fragrances, and seasonal changes, would enhance the quality of life for Portland residents. Over the next 20 years, the rewilding of 40,000 acres would create a peaceful and therapeutic environment, fostering a deep sense of connection to the land and each other.
The conversion of Portland’s 40,000 acres of lawn into native plant lawns and meadows offers profound ecological, social, and economic benefits. The city would support millions of pollinators, birds, and insects, save billions of gallons of water, eliminate millions of pounds of harmful chemicals, and sequester millions of tons of CO2.
Beyond these environmental gains, the transformation would provide significant physical and emotional health benefits for Portlanders. Over the next 20 years, this initiative would not only create a more sustainable urban landscape but also improve the quality of life for all residents, making Portland a leader in urban ecological restoration.
Comments