How to turn your Charleston yard into a mini wildlife haven

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

A photo of bright yellow Carolina Jessamine flowers.

Carolina Jessamines are native to the Lowcountry. | Photo via Canva

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. Registered habitats are tracked on a digital biodiversity map, so you can see which Charleston 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.

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