Brown is the New Green: Rethinking the American Lawn

Join us for a panel discussion that reframes the future landscape through a lens of climate resilience, biodiversity, and forward-thinking design.

Our panelists will discuss the modern lawn from every angle, starting with the macro-level impact of changing climate and rainfall patterns on our local ecosystems. You will dive into the hard plant science of soil health, turf alternatives, and extreme weather survival, while learning how smart landscape architecture can transform water-guzzling properties into beautiful, biodiverse spaces.

Whether you want to transition your own yard or navigate new urban climate realities, this panel will deliver the quick insights and inspiration you need to rethink your outdoor space.

Panelists:

Deryn Davidson, Sustainable Landscape State Specialist, CSU Extension
Zach Johnson, Professor, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
Alan Knapp, Professor, Department of Biology, CSU
Yaling Qian, Professor, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture

Moderator: Gene Kelly, Sustainable Futures Faculty Research Liaison, Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station and Associate Dean of Extension