We are at a critical point of losing so many species from local ecosystems that their ability to produce the oxygen, clean water, flood control, pollination, pest control, carbon storage, etc, that is, the ecosystem services that sustain us, will become seriously compromised. At our last Garden Club meeting, Deanne Lawrence, a certified Master Naturalist and a member of FOWL (Friends of Wildlife at the Lake), gave a presentation on the different programs available for gardeners and how they can make a difference in their very own gardens. The largest volume of acreage available for conservation and restoration of healthy green space is in our own yards. Your own property is a great place to start creating habitat for wildlife by planting native plants, removing invasives, and taking other steps to support wildlife. One such program is Homegrown National Park® a term coined by Doug Tallamy (Entomologist and Wildlife Ecologist). According to their website, HOMEGROWN NATIONAL PARK® is a grassroots call-to-action to regenerate biodiversity and ecosystem function by planting native plants and creating new ecological networks. According to Mr. Tallamy, “Our National Parks, no matter how grand in scale are too small and separated from one another to preserve species to the levels needed. Thus, the concept for Homegrown National Park, a bottom-up call-to-action to restore habitat where we live and work, and to a lesser extent where we farm and graze, extending national parks to our yards and communities.” The MAP provided on the website show an interactive community-based visual that will show each person’s contribution to planting native by state, county and zip code. There is also a gauge showing progress towards the goal of 20 million acres of native planting in the U.S., and most importantly, the map is a way for individuals to see their part in the greater whole – creating new ecological networks and restoring biodiversity. Another program discussed was Audubon at Home Wildlife Sanctuary, and Deanne talked about how you can make a difference and take pride in certifying your property as an Audubon at Home Wildlife Sanctuary. A volunteer Audubon at Home Ambassador will visit your property to advise on habitat improvements you can make, and later, to certify your yard as a Wildlife Sanctuary. When the animals show up, and they will, you can then apply for certification as a Wildlife Sanctuary. The Audubon Society promotes citizen participation in conserving and restoring local natural habitat and biodiversity.