Simple enough concept with far reaching implications. Anywhere we go these days we see the signs of civilization advancing. Some of this advancement is constructive, positive, and will stand the test of time while some aspects of this advancement has placed individuals, communities, and institutions in the challenge of a generation.

As we develop more homes, commercial centers, and infrastructure how will we learn to honor and live in harmony with the natural environment around us? Healthy food and greenery are of tremendous importance to each and all of us. How can we have the ability to grow healthy food, preserve and enhance the greenery around us, while at the same time have homes for our families and communities that thrive. Much if this remains to be answered by individuals and communities at the grassroots level as well as like minded institutions.

One concept we would like to nurture in this on going conversation would be to reestablish native plants and food gardens into areas that are currently non native grass or lawns.

It is a common theme all throughout Western Washington that huge stands of native trees and vegetation were removed for raising of livestock or farming. These areas now in many cases no longer are being used for livestock or they are drastically reduced in scope. What remains are large areas of lawn that in many cases are high maintenance and require regular mowing without providing natural habitat or much in the way of anything useful for people. What we would consider lawns are not truly native to the Pacific NW though there is a rich history of grasslands or prairies which are deeply intertwined with the wise interactions with humans in our areas. Restoring native plants and trees as well as utilizing these open areas for growing of food in a sustainable way are excellent options. These solutions can be achieved over time and in a simple way.

1. Lawn areas can be scraped and removed and the old sod can be composted and turned back into future soil. Food gardens can be planted and or a combination of native plants can established.

2. After the old grass is removed native prairie species could be reintroduced or a combination of this and native trees and shrubs could be planted.

3. Consider starting with just removing a small section of unused lawn and then expanding the space each year.

4. There are many resources in our area for free native trees and plants as well as numerous plant groups and supporters of growing sustainable food.

5. If you have open grass areas that are not native species and they waste your time and funds there is no better time to plant trees and grow food. Keep it simple, start small, and know there are many individuals and communities already doing this for support.

It’s time to continue the conversation about restoring and living in harmony with the environment around us. At a grassroots level we can have tremendous impact with what we plant and how we grow food. Let’s use some our old lawn areas to achieve towards this purpose.

Resources

1. Pacific Horticulture

   https://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/the-once-and-future-%E2%80%A8northwest-prairie/

2. Federal Research Website for Washington State

   https://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/rma/fia-topics/state-stats/Washington/index.php

3. How to Grow Food

   https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549470/how-to-grow-more-vegetables-ninth-edition-by-john-jeavons-foreword-by-alice-waters/