Kelly Hayfields Sagebrush Habitat Restoration

Since 2009, the Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) has been working to restore 4,500 acres of converted hay fields to their natural sagebrush conditions—conducting controlled experiments, initial restoration, and an adaptive management approach to achieve long-term, high quality ecological restoration goals. The park implements a multi-year, multi-step process that includes the removal of nonnative hay crop, the collection and propagation of native seeds both on and off-site, several years of replanting fields with native species, and ongoing monitoring and treatment of invasive plants. Monitoring results demonstrated increase floral and faunal diversity and supported local tourism with better visitor experience.