An Important Update Regarding the Former Homegrown National Park® Facebook Group
At Homegrown National Park®, we care deeply about the trust and sense of connection we’ve built with this community. That’s why we want to offer a clear explanation of a recent situation involving our former Executive Director and the misuse of a Facebook group originally created and maintained by our team.
The Origins of Our Facebook Group
In 2023, our staff created the Homegrown National Park Facebook Group as an official space to bring together native plant and biodiversity advocates. It became a space for everyone who cares about native plants, restoring habitat, and making an impact from the ground up — a place to share stories, swap ideas, and connect with others doing this work in their own yards and communities.
Over time, the group grew to more than 17,000 members — a vibrant community built around a shared commitment to restoring nature and supporting biodiversity in the spaces we steward.
A Leadership Transition and a Violation of Trust
In July 2024, Brandon Hough stepped down from his role as Executive Director of Homegrown National Park®. As part of his formal severance agreement, he was compensated and released from any further responsibilities with the organization. That agreement clearly stated that he was not permitted to represent or act on behalf of Homegrown National Park® following his departure.
Despite this, in April 2025, Mr. Hough removed all official HNP staff from the original Facebook group and took sole administrative control. He then renamed the group to Bringing Nature Home – A Native Plant Community while retaining the group’s original URL: facebook.com/groups/HomegrownNationalPark. This change has caused widespread confusion among members who still believe the group is affiliated with our organization. It is not.
Unauthorized Use of HNP Content and Identity
Following his removal from our team, Mr. Hough continued using the Homegrown National Park® name — a federally registered trademark — and displayed HNP-branded materials, event content, and images created by our staff. All of this occurred without our permission
Our Response and a Path Forward
To protect our community and mission, we’ve created a new and official Homegrown National Park® Facebook Group. This group is managed by our current team and is aligned with the values, tone, and goals of our national movement.
We invite you — whether you’re new to the effort or were part of the original group — to join us in this new space, where we can continue learning, sharing, and growing together.
Join our new official group: facebook.com/groups/homegrownnationalparkofficial
Clarifying Past Employment
For those seeking to verify Mr. Hough’s past affiliation:
- Brandon Hough served as Executive Director of Homegrown National Park® from May 2023 to July 2024.
- He is no longer affiliated with the organization in any capacity.
- He does not have permission to represent or act on behalf of Homegrown National Park® or Doug Tallamy.
Employment verification or legal inquiries may be directed to Tim Snyder, Executive Director, at tim@homegrownnationalpark.org.
A Fresh Start, Together
We know that communities grow best in sunlight. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to build a movement rooted in purpose, trust, and shared care for the natural world.
— The Homegrown National Park® Team
