Date/Time
Date: 09/16/2025Time: 2:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Location
Pasadena Convention Center300 E Green St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Looking forward to speaking in Pasadena at the California Stormwater Quality Association’s (CASQA) 21st annual conference on Non-Function Turf with a talk entitled: AB 1572 Presents Opportunities To Boost Stormwater Capture Biological Function With Polyculture Lawn on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 2:35pm – 3:00pm at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, CA.
Here’s a preview of the conversation scheduled for Track 9 – Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions:
CA AB1572, prohibiting irrigating with potable water on commercial landscapes covered with non-functional turf grass, set the CA landscape industry on an aggressive schedule to remove and replace hundreds of thousands of square feet of grass. This replacement directive could apply to stormwater BMPs such as bioswales covered in a cost-effective grass groundcover.
The highly biodiverse seed mix used in converting the monoculture grass areas into polyculture perennial landscapes has been specifically designed to restore soil microbial health, reduce small off-road engine emissions through reduced mowing, and eliminate all use of fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. A series of ongoing site assessments have been developed to determine the impact of this strategy for soil health, infiltration rate, water holding capacity, biodiversity and native seed bank stimulation, and heat island effect.
Perhaps most interesting results have come from monitoring the relationship between biological diversity and the seemingly paradoxical improved infiltration rates with increased water conservation. Results from the 3 acre site in Littleton, CO and the 2 acre site in San Juan Capistrano, CA will be shared with preliminary conclusions drawn about the implications of a region-wide shift to this low-cost nature-based solution for stormwater management at commercial sites.
Learn more by contacting CASQA.