The team behind the 2025 LAF Research Grant in Honor of Deb Mitchell have released an update showing that there is great theoretical alignment about the importance of biodiverse landscapes with wide barriers to effective maintenance.

 

The greatest barriers include lack of knowledge about "managing complex, ecologically rich landscapes;" limited funding, equipment, and experience to support biodiversity long term; weak communucation between designers, owners, and maintenance staff; and opposition to "naturalistic planting approaches."

The next phases of the research are currently underway and will conclude in Summer 2026.

To read LAF's update, go to: https://www.lafoundation.org/news/2025/12/research-update-managing-biodiverse-landscapes