A botanical garden has a responsibility to address ecological research needs unique to the region and MHBG's location in Marion County, "Horse Capitol of the World", puts us in a position to contribute much-needed information on horse-related aspects of conservation and ecology. Hence the garden has an extensive network of horse trails and is involved in programs to develop strategies for preservation and ecological management of horse farms, horse trail impact assessment and mitigation, and native meadow use for horse pasture. Botanical spin-off projects include identification of native plants suitable for low-maintenance weed-resistant trail verges and evaluation and propagation of appropriate native grasses for equine nutrition.