Making a difference starts at home.

In these daunting times where it seems everything is bad for us, information overload can get overwhelming. While macro-issues can feel out of our control, there are small ways we can make a big difference. Do you know what you can control? Your yard. The North Carolina Wildlife Federation makes it easy to support our pollinators, with The Butterfly Highway and tips to get started.

Don’t worry. I completed the process last year. It’s a simple commitment to support local pollinators. You can register as a pollinator pitstop for free. We’re pitstop #4348 on The Butterfly Highway. After buying wildflower seeds through the NC Wildlife Federation, I have slowly started being intentional with my yard to support the butterflies and bees of our state. Planting native plants not only creates a healthy habitat for pollinators, but it also requires significantly less water resources than grass lawns.

Where to start? Register as a pitstop. Sign up for their Newsletter, too. Be mindful of what you do with your property. Break up with harsh chemicals and pesticides. Plant native plants and choose a variety, that will bloom throughout the growing season. Consider replacing some of your grass turf with native plants. Restrictive HOA rules? That’s okay. Your backyard planter counts. Every intentional plant space can make a difference. Next time you want to plant something or improve your curb appeal, consider choosing a native plant.