Rewild your backyard and help nature move back in
Backyard Adventure Series
Our Backyard Adventures are fun and easy mini-expeditions that you can do — you guessed it! — right in your own backyard. These activities are designed to help students and parents explore the world with eyes of wonder. Along the way, you might discover a new interest, a new dream, or even a future career.
Assignment: Your adventure, should you choose to accept it, is to rewild part of your yard to make it more friendly to native species. It’s as easy as planting some flowers.
Example: The following is a story of one of my proudest accomplishments. When I moved into my first home, my front yard was nothing but grass, flies and mosquitoes. And, the lawn required regular mowing, which was really dangerous because it was steep and slippery. So I took out all the grass, terraced the incline, and planted a garden full of vegetables and pollinating plants. I was shocked at what happened.
Of course, I was expecting some peppers and tomatoes, and hoping for some bees. But I was surprised that the new garden attracted butterflies and moths of all sorts, flocks of goldfinch, hummingbirds, praying mantises, lizards and all kinds of other critters.
I literally changed the ecosystem of my tiny front yard in a profound way. Instead of grass, my yard is full of food for all kinds of bugs and animals, including me. The ground holds more water. The variety of plants makes a nutritious soil. Plus, there is shade and safe little homes for squirrels and birds.
I’m surprised I could make such a difference in a tiny spot. Best of all, one neighbor was inspired to transform their own yard.
Directions: It’s as easy as planting your own garden or turning a section of your lawn back to its natural state. I’d start by visiting your local plant nursery and asking for help. Even selecting just one perennial flower to plant makes a difference.
By the way, if you liked this article, I recommend the Backyard Adventure: Raise your own monarch butterflies. You’ll be creating your own monarch butterfly ecosystem.
