The reliance on mowed turfgrass as the default urban and suburban landscape has led to an array of interconnected environmental problems. But there are solutions! By rethinking how we approach lawn and landscaping, we can maintain the aesthetic of the traditional grassy landscape with various alternatives. Coupling these lawn alternatives with beds of native perennials will reduce the need for mowing, cut carbon emissions, increase habitat, boost biodiversity and improve water management and quality.

Dr. Sara Via moved to the University of Maryland as Professor of Biology in 1997 after holding faculty research positions at the University of Iowa and Cornell University.  Since 2014, she has been teaching adults about climate change impacts and solutions through the University of Maryland Extension.  Sara frequently speaks to Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists and garden clubs; links to videos of her Climate and Sustainability webinars (2020-2023) can be found on her website, www.climatecorner.org.