By Tim Snyder, Executive Director
Est. Read Time: 5 minutes
One of those first warm spring days, I was sitting around with my 15- and 16-year-olds, just talking. Nothing formal, just one of those rare moments when the conversation flows and you realize they’ve actually been listening.
We started chatting about Homegrown National Park®: native plants, biodiversity, all the ways people are waking up to the crisis in their own backyards. And out of nowhere, one of them asked:
“So… how can I help?”
I nearly fell out of my chair.
But they weren’t just humoring me. A few days later, they helped pack and ship over 700 copies of Doug Tallamy’s new book, How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard, to people who bought through our auction and website. That’s a lot of tape and boxes, and they didn’t complain once. Then they made their own mosquito bucket for our #MosquitoBucketChallenge.
That’s when it hit me—maybe this movement is starting to land.
Maybe it’s not just about native plants and maps.
Maybe it’s about culture.
About planting ideas, not just milkweed.
Let’s Make It Easier for More People to Say “Yes”
Lately, we’ve been asking the same question: How can I help?
The truth is, there are dozens of ways to take action, and we’ve been working to make it easier than ever to begin.
Talk to Your Neighbor
We hear it all the time: “I want to help, but I’m the only one on my block who gets it.”
You’re not alone. That’s exactly why we created a new resource to help you start the conversation—gently, respectfully, and effectively.
We’ve started it with common questions, but we’d love to include your experience too. You’ll find guidance on things like:
- “Won’t native plants make my yard look messy?”
- “What about ticks?”
- “Do native plants really make a difference?”
Join the New Facebook Group
We’ve launched a public Facebook group—no more hoops to jump through. Just click, join, and you’re in.
Celebrate your native plant wins. Ask questions. Share your mosquito bucket. Or just hang out and learn. However you show up, you’re welcome here.
The group is hosted by two fantastic volunteer moderators:
Caitlin Peffers, a Biology instructor with a Masters in Entomology from The Ohio State University, and Rachel Taylor, founder of Utah Friends of Monarchs. Both are deeply passionate about building community and helping more people feel confident planting native.
Caitlin Peffers
Rachel Taylor
Bring a Friend to Hear Doug on June 18
Doug Tallamy’s upcoming webinar, How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard, is happening June 18. You'll learn how to support biodiversity right where you live. It’s a powerful, energizing reminder of what’s at stake—and what’s possible.
Have a friend, coworker, or family member who’s curious but not quite convinced? This is a great talk to bring them to.
Just Starting Out? Start Small
It doesn’t take much to make a difference:
🌳 Join a community planting event
Every action counts. Every yard matters. Every story adds up.
