On her own, Nature would transform this land if we simply stopped mowing. We know from agroforestry experts and our experience that this method, while simple, will include decades of invasive species overgrowth before a place of diversity and beauty would emerge.

Removing lawn without invasive overgrowth, repeated herbicide use, or heavy equipment is not so simple.

I designed a layout of tree islands connected by a winding path, the meanders. This path will be mowed regularly. At each island, we will attempt to remove the existing grasses without disturbing the seedbed by burning brush piles throughout the fall and winter of 2025-2026.

In the early spring of 2026, we will plant native and heirloom food-bearing trees in polycultures with pollinator species.