Cultivating a Sustainable Future: The Cornell Botanic Gardens Native Lawn with Todd Bittner

Traditional turfgrass lawns provide little benefit to native biodiversity, are significant sources of air and water pollution, and require huge investments of time to maintain. In a world grappling with the climate crisis, every action counts, and adopting a new lawn paradigm that champions native biodiversity in your own backyard is a powerful way to take control of your environmental impact.
Join us for an enlightening webinar as we explore a visionary lawn paradigm shift - one where lush, low-growing native grasses and forbs take center stage. As featured in the New York Times article by Margaret Roach, this webinar will explore the journey behind Cornell Botanic Gardens’ native lawn, from its inception to the multitude of benefits it brings, and the invaluable lessons it has taught us.
Todd Bittner directs the Natural Areas Program at Cornell Botanic Gardens, overseeing nearly 3,600 acres across 40 natural areas in the central Finger Lakes Region. These areas feature diverse natural community types, rare plant habitats, two iconic gorges, Beebe Lake, and a distinguished wildflower garden, making up one-third of the Cornell campus.
With a profound commitment to conserving natural heritage and fostering conservation leaders, Bittner collaborates with faculty, campus stakeholders, and conservation organizations. He educates on natural areas and conservation through educational hikes, lectures, and various teaching roles, including at Cornell Adult University and as a house fellow for Flora Rose House. As a trained plant ecologist, he leads rare plant conservation efforts, coordinates conservation research, and heads the University’s deer management program.
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