How Can I Help?
by Douglas W. Tallamy
Key Concepts
Homegrown National Park
Every yard can contribute to a vast network of ecological corridors, linking fragmented habitats.
Keystone Plants
A small percentage of native plant genera support the majority of caterpillar biomass, essential for food webs.
Caterpillar Connection
Caterpillars are the primary food source for most nesting birds, making their presence vital for avian survival.
Lawn Conversion
Replacing sterile lawns with diverse native plantings dramatically increases local biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Light Pollution Impact
Artificial night lighting disrupts insect navigation and reproduction, harming critical food sources.
Action Items
Plant native keystone species in your yard to support insect populations.
Reduce or eliminate your lawn, replacing it with diverse native plant communities.
Minimize or cease all pesticide and herbicide use on your property.
Turn off outdoor lights at night or use motion sensors and downward-facing fixtures.
Leave leaf litter and plant stems over winter to provide habitat for beneficial insects.
Core Thesis
Individual landscapes, when planted with native species, are critical to restoring biodiversity and ecological function across North America.
Mindset Shift
The book shifts the perspective from viewing nature as a distant concept to recognizing our own properties as powerful, accessible levers for ecological restoration.