Beyond Lawns
Taking Action on Your Land
Transforming Lawns and Landscaping Into Native Habitat
Mowed lawns and mono-cultured landscapes have become the standard for the modern yard. Though they have manicured appeal, traditional lawns require lots of time, chemicals, and money to maintain, with little more than cushion underfoot as a reward. Many lawns exist just to be mowed.
What if your lawn could do more?
Through our Beyond Lawns Initiative, TWF provides technical support and grant assistance to help landowners convert lawns and landscapes, big or small, into thriving native plantings that reduce costs, support wildlife, and protect water quality. Grant opportunities are now available for properties of any size, with Beyond Lawns: Prairie supporting projects on one acre or more, and Beyond Lawns: Seedling designed specifically for properties under one acre.
What is lawn conversion?
Lawn conversion involves replacing turf grass with native plants. Native species range from flowers and grasses to shrubs and trees.
Unlike turf grass and non-native plantings, plants native to Indiana have evolved and adapted to our climate for thousands of years. They have deep roots, so they can tolerate drought and thrive without fertilizers. They help absorb rainfall, prevent flooding, and filter pollution out of runoff, protecting water quality in our streams and lakes. Native plants also provide habitat for wildlife and support pollinator species like birds, bees, and butterflies.
By thinking beyond your lawn and converting it to native landscape, you can harness the benefits of native plants to
Grant & Support Request Form
After you submit it, we’ll connect with you to explore your project ideas and support you as you take action for healthy lakes.
Resources for Landowners
Beyond Lawns Grant Information
Beyond Lawns: Prairie Grant Application
Beyond Lawns: Seedling Grant Application
Grant Deadlines
Prairie Grant (for >1 acre):
October 1, 2026
Seedling Grant (for <1 acre):
June 1, 2026
What Lawn Conversion Looks Like
Not all lawn conversions look the same. From wild, natural prairies to manicured, well-defined landscapes, native plants offer many possibilities. How you transform your property depends on your tastes and goals! For inspiration, take a look at a few local projects.
Native Prairie & Wetland Restoration
The Native Prairie and Basin Project (pictured, Warsaw) transformed 15 acres of Zimmer Biomet property. Native plants and flowers replaced traditionally mowed areas, and native wetland species were installed to enhance three stormwater basins. The project will help reduce costs, cut carbon emissions, filter pollution out of groundwater, and help prevent flooding.
Photo by Jacob Macke
Native Landscaping
Native plants don’t have to look unkept. You can incorporate flowering species, define the edges, and choose plants of varying heights to create a more manicured look. Some precise maintenance for the first few years will limit weeds and help native plants grow to fill your beds. Here, a local homeowner combined native flowers, grasses, and shrubs with pavers and fencing to create a beautiful landscape border.
Photo by Andrea Keller
Solar Prairies
In 2025, TWF partnered with Warsaw Community Schools to install native prairies under solar panels at Harrison, Eisenhower, and Leesburg Elementary Schools. The project replaced several acres of previously mowed lawn with native flowers and grasses. As the prairie grows, it will cut maintenance costs for each school, provide vital support for wildlife and pollinators, and create a beautiful outdoor learning space for students!
Photo by Agrisolar Clearinghouse
Learn More
Thank you to our sponsors, who generously support the Beyond Lawns program.
