The Lake Soil and Water Conservation District (Lake SWCD) recently partnered with Lake County Job and Family Services (JFS), Lake County Buildings and Grounds, and a private donor to complete a native meadow restoration project at the Emma Caley Receiving Home in Painesville, Ohio. The project converted approximately three acres of high-maintenance lawn into a diverse planting of native grasses and wildflowers designed to reduce stormwater runoff and provide valuable habitat for pollinators and wildlife. The Emma Caley Receiving Home is a county-operated facility run by Lake County JFS that provides temporary, supportive care for children and adolescents. It is an ideal location to showcase economic and sustainable land management practices on public property.
Local resident Benjamin Mordush generously donated the funds needed to purchase the native seed mix for the project. When asked what inspired him to get involved, he shared that as a resident and taxpayer, he felt there was a better alternative to maintaining such a large lawn area.
“By creating an attractive, lower-maintenance pollinator meadow, it becomes a cost savings to the county in mowing and maintenance,” Mordush explained. “It also creates a beautiful habitat for birds, butterflies, and pollinators of all sizes—a wildlife corridor. It’s something nice to look at while driving by, and it gives the residents of Caley Home a place to walk, de-stress, and even learn about nature.”
Mordush drew inspiration from his own experience converting turf grass at home into small pollinator gardens that require little maintenance while attracting birds and butterflies.
Lake SWCD worked closely with Mordush throughout the project. His donation allowed staff to procure a custom native seed mix tailored to site conditions and the needs of the property. The planting plan includes a mowed walking path through the meadow for residents to enjoy, a grass buffer along the path to protect the planting and improve aesthetics, and a diverse mix of wildflowers that will provide colorful blooms throughout the growing season.
The Lake County Buildings and Grounds Department played a critical role in preparing the site for the meadow. Crews first mowed the areas to be seeded as low as possible and removed all grass clippings, repeating this process over a three-week period. Throughout the year, the site was treated multiple times with herbicide to eliminate competing vegetation and ensure successful native meadow establishment.
When asked what motivated his involvement, Superintendent Mark Iafelice explained that the project aligned closely with his professional background and long-term vision for the property.
“With 30 years of experience in landscape construction and a passion for plants and design, this project felt like a natural fit,” Iafelice said. “The interior of Caley Home has already seen meaningful improvements, and enhancing the exterior felt like the next important step. Improving the outdoor environment gives the children a pleasant space to sit, walk, and explore, while transforming an unused field into something the community can enjoy while driving past and take pride in.”
Iafelice also expressed appreciation for County Administrator Jason Boyd and JFS Director Suzanne Casar for their continued support of the project and its vision and noted that similar projects could be replicated at other county properties in the future.
Early this year, Mordush and Iafelice joined Lake SWCD staff on site to help broadcast the seed mix.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the new native meadow enhances the property’s appearance while creating a calming and engaging outdoor space for residents. Seasonal blooms, varied textures, and increased wildlife activity foster a stronger connection to nature. Once established, the meadow will provide opportunities for passive recreation, outdoor learning, and quiet reflection—supporting mental health and overall well-being for residents and staff.
While the meadow is not open to the public, it serves as a visible example of how converting traditional lawn to native meadow can deliver both environmental and social benefits. The project is intended to inspire homeowners, organizations, and local governments to consider similar practices.
Mordush encourages others to start small:
“Anyone can do it. I started with a 4-by-4-foot garden. Collectively, homeowners can create conservation corridors right in their own backyards. It’s fun, and the rewards are many—both financially and aesthetically.”
By demonstrating that native meadows can be both attractive and functional, this project helps encourage broader adoption of sustainable landscaping throughout Lake County. If you’re interested in converting a portion of your lawn to a native meadow and would like guidance, contact Lake SWCD to learn more about resources and assistance available.