In the United States, the total area covered in turf grass makes it the number one irrigated crop. After WWII many new suburban neighborhoods were developed, and a weed-free green grass lawn became everyone’s American dream. Since then, we are constantly bombarded with ads promoting the application of chemicals and water, hiring companies to do that for us, and buying all of the powered machines so we can spend hours each summer weekend caring for the lawn. And public demand requires mostly the same in our public spaces.
Turf grass comes with a list of issues. Most species of grass planted in the US are non-native, shallow rooted, and nutritious for just two pests: Canada Geese and Japanese beetle grubs. At the same time, research is telling us that our pollinators, especially native populations of bees, are in serious decline. It should be no wonder since so many of the “weeds” we work so hard to remove are actually native plants filled with the pollen and nectar needed to sustain these creatures responsible for much of the food we humans consume.
Homeowners who have heard the message have started replacing their grass with more native plants. While some have support, many face the challenge of their action being against their local laws.
Purpose and Goal of Project
Dayton Area Wild Ones, a local chapter of the national Wild Ones organization, is concerned about laws that are not supportive of maintained and intentional natural landscaping, specifically, home landscapes that include Ohio native plants. Many local ordinances have vague language (i.e., weeds, wild plants, noxious weeds) which leaves a resident open to the interpretation of the person inspecting the property as follow up on a complaint. This can result in fines and the homeowner being forced to cut down or remove the “offensive” plants. The goal of this project is to encourage Dayton-area municipalities to update their existing ordinance, zoning code, and/or resolution to protect natural landscapes and habitat. We will accomplish this by providing research and sample ordinances, and mustering support for the change from like-minded individuals and groups living within the municipality.
Plan of Action
DAWO members live in and represent municipalities across a wide geographic area. Using the philosophy of “Think globally, act locally” we will start with communities that have a personal connection to our members. As we gain experience, we will look for supporters that can help expand this project to additional areas.
Depending on how the governing body operates, each municipality will require customization of an action plan. In some locations it may be a simple matter of proposing updated language and having it approved. In other areas it may require meeting with city officials and the governing body, holding rallies, gathering signatures, a media campaign, and presentations to supporters.
In general, our plan for each target municipality is as follows.
- Research existing laws: ordinances, zoning code, resolutions
- Identify reasons of concern in existing law and alternatives
- Learn how the governing body approves updates to existing law
- Identify who locally will support the project
- Propose sample updated language
- Work with the governing body to modify and finalize the proposed updated language
- Provide public acknowledgement of modified law once adopted
When necessary, DAWO will seek assistance, both technical and legal, from experienced individuals and groups as well as our national organization.
Won’t you join us in this effort? See our Information Collection Form which includes tips for researchers, and contact us to let us know which municipality appeals to you!