Beyond Lawns
Taking Action on Your Land
Transforming Lawns Into Native Prairies
Mowed lawns have become the standard for yards. 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 into thriving native prairies that reduce costs, support wildlife, and protect water quality.
Pictured above: A native prairie project near Lake Tippecanoe.
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, 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 prairie, you can harness the benefits of native plants to
Resources for Landowners
Beyond Lawns Workshop
June 5 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Learn more about native plants, lawn conversion possibilities, and grant opportunities. Food and drink provided. Event is free, but please register by June 3.
Beyond Lawns Info Packet
Beyond Lawns Application
Install & Maintenance Plan
Final Report & Reimbursement Request
Contractors
Native Planting Maintenance Guide
To discuss project possibilities on your property, or to learn more about cost-sharing opportunities, contact Caitlin Yoder, Watershed & Special Projects Coordinator.
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 credit: Jacob Macke
Native Landscaping
Native plants don’t have to look messy. 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.
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 credit: Agrisolar Clearinghouse
Learn More
Partnerships are critical for watershed conservation
New Project Connects TWF with Zimmer-Biomet and City of Warsaw
Support the pollinators on your property!
Ask Lyn: Pollinators
Ask Lyn: Supporting Our Pollinators in the Fall
