The course framed native wildflowers and grasses as a way to improve wildlife habitat, increase biodiversity and manage open space.
It also addressed why well-intentioned meadow projects fail: weak site and plant selection, poor understanding of succession and seed dispersal, and inadequate maintenance.
What participants were expected to learn
- Understand natural processes important to meadow restoration
- Choose and source plant materials
- Design and budget a restoration project
- Anticipate installation problems
- Control invasive species
- Involve the public
Field component
The second day was designed as a field visit to restored meadows, where participants could examine completed projects and discuss results.
Teaching record
Steven N. Handel, Rutgers University, and Steven E. Clemants, Brooklyn Botanic Garden.