If you are a frequent visitor to Precinct 4 parks, you are probably accustomed to well-manicured greenspaces.But recently, at a few select sites, you might have noticed something different: stretches of tall, tangled grass. To the naked eye it may look unkept or maybe even forgotten. However, if you take a closer look, this area of growth reveals itself as something far more intentional.

In 2024, Precinct 4 launched a reduced-mow pilot program called "Grow Zones,” which has now taken root at John Paul Landing, George Bush Park, and Bear Creek Pioneers Park — over 350 acres of designated land where nature leads the way. acres of designated land where nature leads the way.

At John Paul Landing Park, the grass isn’t just growing. It’s working. It's filtering water, feeding pollinators, sheltering wildlife, and quietly transforming the land. Bayard Nicklow, the park's Nature Center manager, has been involved in the planning and execution of Precinct 4’s Grow Zones since day one. So, he doesn't just see a patch of green. He sees an ecosystem in motion.

“To me,” he says with a grin, “the grass really is greener on the other side. Because over there, we’re letting nature do what it’s truly meant to do.”

The grasslands serve as sponges, absorbing rainwater and nourishing countless species — a natural and cost-efficient way to protect the environment.

“The goal is to preserve the prairie,” Nicklow said. “We are not just cutting costs. We are creating life.”

What are grow zones?

Grow Zones are low-traffic areas where mowing is minimized to give native plants and grasses the chance to grow freely. Unlike the short, uniform look of a typical lawn, these areas are meant to look a little wilder. Each type of plant plays a role, helping to support birds, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife that rely on natural spaces to survive.

Grow Zones:

• Restore native habitats for plants, animals, and insects

• Protect against flooding and erosion

• Reduce carbon emissions from mowers

• Reduce maintenance costs

Why it matters

Unlike a traditional lawn, the roots of Precinct 4’s Grow Zone grasses are deep and interconnected, meaning not only do they withstand drought, but they also strengthen the soil, filter pollutants, and reduce erosion. The roots act like a sponge, absorbing water, which helps reduce flooding.

In addition to fostering healthy soil, these reduced-mow zones require less maintenance, meaning crews are free to focus on high-use areas of the parks.

To protect the habitat of insects and other animals who live in the Grow Zones, these areas are not mowed all at once. Instead, mowing happens in sections and on a rotating schedule, so there is always a place for wildlife to go as the grass grows and changes.