Tough on Turf

After studying ecology in undergrad, I became a high school science teacher. But I always wanted to go to graduate school. When I learned about the field of ecological restoration, which involves revitalizing degraded, damaged or destroyed ecosystems, I was inspired to join Northwestern’s Program in Plant Biology and Conservation, which is a partnership between the University and the Chicago Botanic Garden. I soon fell in love with the research opportunities. 

Replacing turf lawns with alternative plantings — a mix of short native grasses and wildflowers, for instance — can make outdoor urban spaces more welcoming to people, pollinators and other organisms. Native plants can also reduce flooding and limit the need for watering and mowing when compared with turf lawns.  

Sometimes the field of ecology can feel like it’s all about documenting declines in species and habitats. But conservation and restoration are important ways that we can be proactive about helping our environment. 

Becky Barak ’12 MS, ’17 PhD is a conservation scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden and an adjunct assistant professor in Northwestern’s Program in Plant Biology and Conservation. She has worked at the Chicago Botanic Garden since 2017.