Backyard Conservation
Science-Backed Habitat Guides for Every Yard
Your backyard is a conservation project waiting to happen
We translate the science of ecology into practical, region-specific guidance so anyone with outdoor space can support diverse wildlife.
What we do
Conservation doesn’t start in a rainforest. It starts here.
BackyardConservation.com gives you the knowledge, tools, and community to turn your outdoor space into it’s own ecosystem.
01
Learn
Science-backed habitat guides written by qualified individuals that cover habitats, plants, and insects.
02
Plan
We can assess your space by region and goals and build a tailored plan just for you.
03
Grow
Join our community of conservationists who all share your goals of erasing biodiversity loss.
Give cavity-nesting birds a place to call home.
Over 85 native bird species in North America depend on cavities for nesting and natural tree cavities are disappearing fast. A well-placed birdhouse can bring our avian friends back. Why are they so important?
Boosts local breeding success – Cavity nesters without safe nesting sites often fail to breed at all. A correctly sized birdhouse dramatically improves their odds.
Natural pest control – According to the National Wildlife Federation, House wrens, Eastern bluebirds, yellow warblers, downy woodpeckers, and Baltimore orioles are all documented mosquito and tick eaters that will use backyard birdhouses.
Overall stress relief – Research shows that watching and listening to birds significantly reduces stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue. Having an active birdhouse can turn your backyard into a daily mental health resource.
CHECK OUT OUR RECOMMENDED BIRDHOUSES HERE
High impact plants to boost biodiversity
Native flowering plants are the foundation of a functioning backyard ecosystem. They feed pollinators, support the local food web, and not to mention look beautiful.
Low maintenance – These native plants have evolved for your local climate, soil, and rainfall. After year one, they will largely take care of themselves.
Feeds your pollinators – Many native bees have evolved to specific native flowers and without them they cannot survive.
Supports complete butterfly life cycles – Adult butterflies need nectar and their caterpillars need specific host plants. Native flowering plants provide both.
CHECK OUT OUR NATIVE FLOWERING PLANTS HERE
The most important animals that you’re probably ignoring
Insects are the base of every food web on the planet. No insects means no birds, no amphibians, poor soil, and a broken ecosystem. Your backyard can be a refuge in an increasingly insect-hostile landscape.
They run the whole food web – 96% of North American land birds raise their young exclusively on insects. A yard with insects is a yard with birds, frogs, bats and healthy biodiversity.
Pollination at scale – Native bees pollinate over $15 billion worth of U.S. crops annually. Supporting them in your yard contributes to the larger system. Who doesn’t like honey?
Insects are in serious decline – Global insect populations have dropped by up to 40% in recent decades. Native planting and pesticide control in your yard a meaningful U-Turn in the current trend.
HOW TO SUPPORT INSECTS IN YOUR BACKYARD