Turf Transformation 2025 Pilot Study
We’re seeking 1-5 Acre CII/municipal demonstration sites for Take Back the Turf, a landscape transformation strategy that provides a cost-effective way to transition conventionally managed lawns into biodiverse, water-conserving polyculture lawn.
We work with your facility to create a custom plan, from irrigation upgrades to mowing schedules and impact strategies.
Our Innovative Approach Saves Water and Money
The Take Back the Turf conversion strategy:
– is installed by your facilities team or landscape contractor with minimal training.
– doesn’t require any special equipment.
– uses existing irrigation.
– is seeded directly into the existing lawn and keeps organics on site.
_eliminates the need for ongoing applications of fertilizer, herbicides, or pesticides.
_is prescriptively irrigated during the growing season on no more than a weekly basis at approximately 0.50″ per application (if supplemental watering is needed).
_is mowed no more than once per month during the growing season.
Your Custom Plan Includes
– Site preparation, installation, mowing, and irrigation protocols.
– Pre-project data assessment with follow-ups at one and two years.
– On-site technical support for irrigation upgrades for improved efficiency, site preparation and seeding.
– Custom F2P Seed Mix.
– Ongoing assistance through remote progress check-ins.
– Educational signage and a project webpage with a QR code for easy access to updates.
_Assistance setting up and conducting 4 community events per year of the study.
– Case studies and presentation materials to share at meetings and conferences.
Site Requirements
Property Type
CII (Commercial, Industrial, Institutional) or municipal property owner with demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment
Site
Between 1 acre and 5 acres (absolute minimum of 30,000 sq. ft.)
Highly visible sites that demonstrate alignment with community water conservation and/or stormwater benefits will receive priority
Irrigation
Overhead irrigation system in reasonably good working condition
Water Use Data
Can be isolated to the site and provided to the project team
Maintenance
Professionally managed with a maintenance/install team willing to complete a 60-minute online certification training in turf conversion processes and sign an agreement not to apply fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides during the study period
Property Owner
Able to cost-share up to $3.00-$5.00/sq. ft. of converted area
Provides a single point of contact for communication and coordination
Participates in a clear approvals process and commits to the two-year study timeline
Public Access
Site must be accessible to the general public for events, workshops, or educational demonstrations
Partners
Strong engagement and support from a local water supplier or stormwater/watershed management agency