MONTH 5 Cultivate Native Habitats, Inside and Out
Reconnect with Nature by Nurturing Native Plants and Spaces
This month, we’re diving into the importance of cultivating native habitats—both outdoors in your yard or balcony and indoors in your living spaces. Native plants and habitats are essential for supporting biodiversity, conserving water, and reducing the need for harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. Let’s take small, meaningful steps to create spaces that thrive naturally and sustainably.
Why Focus on Native Habitats?
Native plants are perfectly adapted to your local climate and soil, making them low-maintenance and eco-friendly. Here’s why cultivating native habitats is crucial:
Support Local Wildlife: Native plants provide food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. They play a critical role in maintaining balanced ecosystems.
Conserve Resources: Since native plants thrive in their natural environment, they require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance compared to non-native species.
Reduce Harmful Chemicals: Native habitats naturally resist local pests, reducing the need for harmful pesticides and herbicides.
Combat Climate Change: Native habitats help absorb carbon dioxide and prevent soil erosion, contributing to healthier ecosystems.
MONTHLY GOAL: Create a mini native habitat this month! If you have outdoor space, designate a No-Mow Zone or plant native species to support local wildlife and biodiversity. If you’re in an urban area or without a backyard, start an indoor native plant garden or spend a few minutes each day learning about the benefits of native plants and urban green spaces
DAILY ACTION: outdoors: Spend a few minutes each day observing any changes in your no-mow zone or garden. Track the appearance of wildlife or plant growth in a journal. Indoors: care for a potted native plant or spend a few minutes each day learning about the importance of biodiversity through online articles, videos, or books
Research a new native plant to incorporate into your outdoor space.
Swap out one non-native plant in your yard for a native species.
Take 15 minutes to observe the birds, bees, and other wildlife in your area and note what plants attract them.
Plant a single pot of native flowers for your balcony or windowsill.
Visit a local botanical garden to learn about native species.
WHY DOES IT MATTER Lawns in the U.S. cover 40 million acres, consuming 3 trillion gallons of water annually. Planting native species reduces water use and supports local biodiversity.
IT WILL SAVE YOU MONEY: Reducing lawn mowing and planting native plants can save up to $10-20 per month on water and fuel costs, depending on lawn size and local water rates.
GET YOUR KIDS INVOLVED: Kids can help plant a small section of the garden (indoors or out) with native flowers or create a “butterfly garden.” They can also help water and care for the plants
BE A CHANGE MAKER: Create a Pollinator Garden- Encourage planting flowers and herbs that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Provide a simple guide on creating a small garden or container garden.
