HOLLAND, Mich. — Haworth, a family-owned furniture company, announced that it is coordinating with the Outdoor Discovery Center Conservation Services on a multi-phased project. The project consists of converting overgrown turfgrass and lawns on the Hawthorn campus into native prairie species. 

Haworth announced the benefits of retaining native prairie plant species includes reducing lawn care maintenance, creating habitat for wildlife, absorbing rain into reduced water runoff and providing green space for people to enjoy. 

“We’re pleased with the results and look forward to continued progress toward improving the biodiversity on our site,” said Jeff Jennings, Haworth’s facilities project manager.

Haworth’s groundskeeping crew cut back vegetation and administered herbicide applications to disturb soil as little as possible. “Restoration in Progress” signage was placed along the highway. Rye and oats were seeded as a cover crop to retain soil moisture and prevent erosion. It will take approximately three years for prairie growth to become fully established, Haworth said. 

“What I love about this is the scale,” said Travis Williams, the chief executive officer of the Outdoor Discovery Center Network. “Haworth is involved with Project Clarity to remediate the 175 square miles of local watershed but knows they can make a difference in their own landscaping too.”

Haworth employees have reported spotting rabbits, deer, muskrats, skunks, woodchucks, possums, raccoons and a fox on their headquarters campus. 

For more information on Haworth, visit haworth.com.