Homeowners in the US are increasingly converting their traditional lawns into native plant habitats, a movement aimed at boosting biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems. This shift involves replacing non-native turf grasses with plants indigenous to the area, which can provide food and shelter for various wildlife.
James Reed McGuire and Crystal Fritz in Highland Park, Illinois, are an example of this trend. They transformed their lawn into a thriving native ecosystem, attracting birds, butterflies, bees, rabbits, bats, and foxes. Their garden was designated a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation in 2023.
Doug Tallamy, an entomologist and advocate for "conservation landscaping," highlights that traditional US lawns, often consisting of European grass species, offer little environmental benefit. These short-rooted grasses do not effectively absorb carbon and water, leading to runoff that can carry pesticides and fertilisers into waterways. Tallamy suggests that if half of all US lawns were converted to native species, it would significantly help create and connect habitats for wild species.