Since early 2020, the lawn south of Collard City Growers garden has gradually evolved into a hybrid lawn-meadow ecosystem as part of the Next Epoch Seed Library’s project “The Lawn (Re)Disturbance Laboratory,” aka “Lawn Lab.” Each year a little more lawn is pulled up to make way for tough, locally-adapted wildflowers and native grasses that can survive and thrive in this challenging urban habitat. Join artist Ellie Irons in the satisfying task of unearthing low-diversity lawn grasses and spreading meadow seeds. Participants will also meet and learn about some of the meadow plants living at Lawn Lab, and help create a seed mix to keep and share locally. 

Wear comfortable work clothes and bring gloves and hand tools if you have them. Tools / gloves will also be available on site. 

Ellie Irons is an artist, educator, and parent based in current-day Troy, New York, where the Mahicannituck and Mohawk Rivers converge. She received an MFA from Hunter College and Phd from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute focused on ecosocial art. She is currently the Co-Director of NATURE Lab at the Sanctuary for Independent Media.