How to turn your Asheville yard into a wildlife haven

A grassroots effort is helping local properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.

black eyed susans.jpeg

Black-Eyed Susans bring sunshine to any garden.

Photo by Chiara Coetzee

Want more from your lawn than just grass? You could turn it into a mini “national park.”

Meet Homegrown National Park, a nationwide grassroots movement that invites property owners to restore wildlife habitats through sustainable planting and the removal of invasive species.

Here’s how it works: Swap a portion of your lawn for native plants that support food webs for local fauna, then watch your yard transform into a natural oasis where wildlife thrives.

AVL

Explore the map for yourself.

Screenshot via Homegrown National Park

Registered habitats are tracked on a digital biodiversity map, so you can see which Asheville neighbors are pitching in.

Ready to get started on your own turf? Learn how to register your green space and browse beginner-friendly planting tips. If you’re looking for native plant nurseries, the NC Native Plant Society has you covered with a comprehensive map.

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