Native Plant Meadow
at Westfield State University
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Fall 2025 - Our meadow was established when students, faculty, and staff planted 4,000 native seedlings to transform a traditional lawn into a more natural habitat.
Summer 2026 - The meadow plants are growing well and in full bloom.
Why plant a meadow? Because it:
Why plant a meadow? Because it:
Supports greater biodiversity - plants, insects, wildlife, pollinators, and belowground life
Reduces our carbon footprint - less lawn care and fossil fuel use, less irrigation, less herbicides
Improves soil quality - deep roots add carbon to the soil and supports belowground organisms
Creates an outdoor, living lab - students and faculty can use the space to extend classroom learning
Why Native Plants Matter
Native plants are the backbone of local ecosystems. They evolved alongside regional wildlife, providing food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other species. Unlike many ornamental plants, natives are often better suited to local climate and soil conditions. Planting natives supports local biodiversity.
Outdoor Living Lab
Our meadow is an outdoor learning space that connects indoor classrooms with the campus landscape. It supports hands‑on study of plant growth and reproduction, pollinator and wildlife interactions, seasonal changes, soil health, and restoration ecology.
Link: Photos of Native Plants in the Meadow (PDF)
Link: List of Native Plants in the Meadow (PDF)
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