Promoting the benefits of nature-based solutions through community initiatives.
A small transformation with big benefits.
If you travel through Bel Air, MD, by car, bike, or on foot, you might have noticed something different going on in a few yards. Several residents have chosen to quit the rigorous upkeep on problem portions of their lawns and transition them to thriving mini meadows.
A mini meadow brings the beauty and ecological benefits of a natural meadow into smaller spaces where traditional lawns often struggle. Instead of maintaining difficult areas with constant mowing, irrigation, and fertilizer applications, homeowners can convert problem spots into diverse plantings of native grasses, wildflowers, and flowering perennials. These areas are designed to thrive in local conditions, creating a more resilient and attractive landscape while reducing the time and resources required for maintenance.
In April, Common Ground Earth got started by installing black, tarp-like geotextile on approximately 300 ft2 sections of some downtown Bel Air lawns. This killed the grass and weeds and prepared the land for plant installations. Just last week, the geotextile was removed and native plugs were installed. Species such as phlox, coneflower, thyme, wild indigo, and goldenrod were chosen for their wildlife benefits. In a few weeks’ time, these mini meadows will be 2 to 4 feet tall and bursting with blooms, colors, and textures that are sure to catch your eye!
Mini meadows provide valuable habitat in places where wildlife habitat has become increasingly fragmented. Native plants support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that depend on them for food and shelter. Birds and other wildlife benefit as well, using these spaces for foraging, nesting, and cover. Even a relatively small planting can contribute to a larger network of habitat throughout a neighborhood, helping reconnect nature within urban and suburban environments.
Beyond their environmental value, mini meadows help naturalize developed landscapes and create a stronger sense of place. Rather than forcing every corner of a property to function as manicured turf, mini meadows allow underutilized areas to become vibrant, living spaces that reflect the natural character of the land while providing lasting benefits for both people and wildlife.
Bringing Nature Home.
I wanted to provide space for native plants to attract birds and pollinators, and eliminate some of the "dead zone"
that mowed grass lawns are.
“Common Ground Earth is doing vital work to restore our habitat, create healthy ecosystems, and help connect people to nature. All of us at Nature Worx support their mission, and are proud to partner with them by contributing our programs that help people grow meaningful relationships with the natural world to enhance health and well-being.
We are particularly excited that they are creating a meadow habitat in the front yard of my house, which is also Nature Worx headquarters in Bel Air. As a homeowner and an environmentalist, I wanted to provide space for native plants to attract birds and pollinators, and eliminate some of the "dead zone" that mowed grass lawns are. If we all created some meadow space on our property, we could make a huge impact on improving habitat and enhancing ecological balance.”
Philip Hosmer, Founder of NatureWorx