D3242: Refuge lawn: A partnership for pollinator-friendly lawns in the Southeastern United States

Pollinator populations are declining worldwide due to habitat changes and pesticide applications, and, consequently, mitigation actions are required. In the southeastern United States, a USDA grant was approved to enhance pollinator habitats within turfgrass lawns of Mississippi, Georgia, and Alabama. A series of experiments will be conducted: 1) Determine bloom periodicity of native and introduced forbs common to lawn and amenity turfgrass settings in the southeastern U.S. and quantify pollinating insect visitors, 2) Characterize effects of warm-season turfgrass species selection and cultural practices on forb establishment and persistence, as well as effects upon pollinator visits, 3) Gauge stakeholder preference for pollinator habitat within maintained turfgrass systems and leverage the team’s regional expertise and stakeholder connections within each respective state to create best management practices (BMPs) and a comprehensive Extension program that delivers research-based knowledge to various levels of turfgrass managers (including homeowners and professional practitioners) around the southeastern U.S. We developed a plant list based on native and introduced species that have the potential to benefit pollinators in Mississippi and surrounding states. To meet the needs of experiments 1, ten sites per state will be selected for evaluating each plant species listed. Accompanying results will determine the plants that will be tested for plant establishment. Interactions with stakeholders will be maintained throughout each stage of the project. We will generate best management practice (BMP) materials, organize field days, and develop meetings with stakeholders.