Duration: 10/01/2026 to 09/30/2031

Administrative Advisor(s):

NIFA Reps:

Non-Technical Summary

'This project unites turfgrass researchers and Extension specialists across the Great Plains and western U.S. to help communities better manage lawns, sports fields, and urban landscapes amid growing water shortages. By improving multi-state collaboration, sharing research on drought-resistant grasses, and creating practical educational resources, the group will help professionals and homeowners use water more efficiently while maintaining healthy green spaces. The renewed WERA11 effort will strengthen communication, coordinate research, and provide accessible guidance for sustainable landscape management.'

Statement of Issues and Justification

Turfgrass area has become a central part of urban and suburban landscapes throughout the USA. Due to biology, ecology, intensive management and disturbances, turfgrass and landscape systems have specific, sometimes unique, management challenges compared to traditional vegetable and cropping agricultural systems. Water scarcity continues to be a growing challenge in both agricultural and urban sectors across the Western and Great Plains regions. Extended droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased population growth are placing heavy demands on limited water supplies. This is especially the case for the Desert SW with much attention on the Colorado River Basin. Turfgrass and urban landscapes, integral to recreation, aesthetics, and environmental quality, are often viewed as less essential water users. However, well-managed turf and landscapes provide substantial ecological and social benefits, including erosion control, urban cooling, and stormwater infiltration, etc. (Braun et al., 2024).

The WERA11 group has successfully connected university and private industry turfgrass scientists and Extension specialists across the western U.S. and associated territories to improve communication and promote sustainable management. The group has coordinated water conservation education, shared cultivar evaluation data, and delivered regionally adapted outreach resources. As water scarcity intensifies, the need for continued coordination among research and Extension professionals remains critical to maintain the quality of life in urban areas.

The goal of the renewal proposal aims to maintain and expand WERA11’s collaborative efforts by strengthening multi-state communication, integrating recent advances in drought-resistant and sustainable turf systems, and enhancing Extension programming for urban water conservation, turfgrass pest management, breeding, etc. This is of special need in the western region, where the turfgrass Extension and research expertise is much less in each state compared to the eastern half of the country. Cooperation among states is essential to address the critical issues we all face. Key stakeholders include Extension educators, municipal water managers, landscape contractors and maintenance, golf and sports turf managers, sod producers, and homeowners who benefit from science-based guidance for sustainable turf and landscape management.

Objectives

Procedures and Activities

• Annual Meetings: Conduct in-person and virtual meetings to review progress, plan collaborative projects, and align outreach goals.
• Collaborative Research Integration: Facilitate research collaboration and idea sharing on regional cultivar evaluations, irrigation thresholds, drought resilience studies, pest management, etc.
• Regional Workshops and Field Demonstrations: Support hands-on education through field events showcasing efficient irrigation technologies, drought-resistant turf, soil management BMPs, pest management, etc.

Milestones:

• 2026–2027: review regional water conservation and other turfgrass research/extension priorities; align existing data and outreach tools.
• 2028–2029: Deliver coordinated Extension programs and co-authored publications; host a national symposium on turf and landscape management.
• 2030–2031: Summarize multi-state outcomes, evaluate impact, and plan transition to the next project cycle.

Expected Outcomes and Impacts

Projected Participation

View Appendix E: Participation

Educational Plan

This activity will ensure inclusive outreach by partnering with Extension offices serving diverse audiences in both urban and rural settings, including underrepresented and resource-limited communities. WERA11 members will develop publicly accessible materials in multiple formats and languages. The group will continue to collaborate with professional associations (e.g., GCSAA, USGA, SFMA, PGMS, GCSAA local chapters, state turfgrass foundations, etc.) to extend educational reach and maintain open access through university and association websites.

Organization/Governance

Governance will follow standard WERA procedures. Members will elect a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary to serve staggered two-year terms. The Chair coordinates meetings and reports; the Vice Chair assists with planning and communication; the Secretary maintains minutes and manages digital archives. An Administrative Advisor will provide oversight and ensure alignment with regional priorities.

Literature Cited

Braun, R. C., Mandal, P., Nwachukwu, E., & Stanton, A. (2024). The role of turfgrasses in environmental protection and their benefits to humans: 30 years later. Crop Science, 64(6), 2909-2944. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.21383

Attachments

Land Grant Participating States/Institutions

Non Land Grant Participating States/Institutions