Grassland Management

Author: Grassland Network; Laura Mattei & Russ Hopping; Bois, Sarah et al.

Last Reviewed by MLTC: 03/31/2026.

Resources providing information on grassland management in Massachusetts, including ecological context, field management approaches, and restoration findings relevant to stewardship and habitat planning.

Resources:

  1. Sandplain Grasslands in Massachusetts (Sandplain Grassland Network)
    Explains sandplain grasslands in Massachusetts, including their rarity, succession pressures, and reliance on disturbance (e.g., fire, mowing, grazing) to maintain these systems.

    Resource: https://sandplaingrassland.net/about/massachusetts/

  2. Managing Grasslands for Wildlife Habitat (Laura Mattei & Russ Hopping, 2016)
    A presentation highlighting field-scale management approaches including landscape context, mowing, grazing, and invasive species control with Massachusetts specific considerations. 

    Document: grassland_presentation_april_2016.pdf

  3. Northeastern Coastal Sandplain Challenges & Recommendations (Bois, Sarah  et al., 2023)
    Research on coastal sandplain grassland management highlighting disturbance-based strategies, woody vegetation control, and adaptive management approaches.

    Document: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/rec.13928