On October 8, 2024, the lecture entitled “Towards better management of urban greenery – the impact of mowing on the ecosystem of roadside lawns”, the last one within the Botanists for Krakowians* Krakowian project, took place. The meeting was hosted by Dr. Małgorzata Stanek and Prof. Anna Stefanowicz, who outlined the theoretical background and then presented the results of research carried out as part of the ToBeLawn project. The speakers presented how various mowing practices affect biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The lecture’s participants had the opportunity to learn that even small changes in mowing practices can significantly improve the condition and natural value of urban greenery and, thus, the entire urban environment.
The lecture, delivered in a hybrid mode (for in-person and online participants), proved to be very popular. The audience liked the topics and the results of the research, as confirmed by the long and interesting discussion that took place at the end of the meeting. It involved such issues as optimal mowing frequency, the advantages and disadvantages of reduced mowing frequency, and the challenges of implementing new management practices.
We would like to thank all participants for their attendance and taking part in the discussion!
* Botanists for Krakowians is a two-year educational project run by the W. Szafer Institute of Botany of the Polish Academy of Sciences, aimed at popularizing botany among the residents of the city of Kraków. It is meant to raise awareness, promote the protection of biodiversity, and integrate the local community interested in the natural environment. The project includes lectures, workshops, and field trips on urban vegetation, environmental protection, and the importance of botanical collections. These activities are intended to inspire residents to discover the beauty of plants and actively engage in the protection of urban greenery. For more information, please visit the project website.