Eastern Grasslands Initiative

Rebuilding Grasslands

The National Park Service (NPS) is rebuilding and improving native grasslands across parks in the eastern United States in partnership with the Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI). You may notice changes to familiar fields while visiting a national park. Thank you for your patience as we care for these landscapes and support the species that depend on them.

At left (before), a field with low biodiversity prior to grassland reconstruction. At right (after), native grasses and wildflowers three years later provide habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife.

Courtesy of Jeremy French

Preparing for Regrowth

Monarch butterflies feeding on milkweed

Courtesy of John Burwell

More than 90% of U.S. grasslands have been converted to other uses. When grasslands decline, so do the plants and animals that depend on them. Our work to restore grasslands is rooted in our commitment to preserve and protect the beauty, abundance, and grandeur of these unique American landscapes.

Rebuilding grasslands preserves historic landscapes, restores native grasses and wildflowers, supports pollinators like bees and butterflies, provides habitat for birds and other wildlife, and protects rare species. Monarch butterflies and eastern meadowlarks are just a few of the species that benefit from the recovery of grasslands.

By improving grasslands, we are rebuilding a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

Grassland restoration at Spring Gap in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park will focus on enhancing over 70 acres of habitat to support native plant communities and improve conditions for grassland birds and pollinators.

NPS / Casey Reese

Steps Toward Revival

We are working to carefully rebuild grasslands. We will use a combination of proven methods, including herbicide application to control invasive species, mowing or cutting woody plants, and planting or seeding native plants. Some areas require more intensive preparation, while others need lighter treatment. In all cases, the goal is to support strong, healthy plant communities. While we work to rebuild native grasslands, you might see:

• Areas that look cleared or brown
• Mowing or removal of shrubs and trees
• Planting or seeding work
• Signs asking you to stay in designated areas

These changes help prepare the land so native grasslands can grow and thrive.

Your health and safety is our priority during grassland work:

• Herbicides are applied by trained, certified professionals
• All treatments follow federal and state regulations
• Staff use protective equipment and approved safety plans
• Work is carefully planned and monitored

Rebuilt grasslands will receive continued maintenance to control invasive plants and foster the habitat vital to wildlife survival. These methods are the most effective way to manage invasive plants and support long-term success. Over time, these areas will become greener, more biodiverse, and full of life again.

Teaming Up

NPS partners with the Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) at Austin Peay State University to rebuild grasslands. SGI provides expertise in grassland science, planning, and restoration. Together, NPS staff—from scientists to field crews—and SGI combine research and hands-on work to carry out grassland restoration across multiple parks.

You Can Help

These improvement efforts are not isolated to large-scale grasslands—you can support them at home, too! Learn more about planting native species and creating habitats for pollinators and birds and other ways to do Conservation at Home.