How to turn your Lexington yard into a mini wildlife haven

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

Lexington's biodiversity map

Lexington’s biodiversity map with over 50 habitats. | Photo via Homegrown National Park

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 Lexingtonian 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.

More from LEXtoday
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Move aside pickleball, there’s a new racket sport in town.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
We’re highlighting the 23 best parks that Lexington, KY has to offer — complete with splash pads, playgrounds, walking trails, and even a few dog-friendly spots.
A veteran turns to bourbon, mindfulness, and storytelling to navigate PTSD and find purpose.
Discover expert tips and all the supplies you need to dive into your next stitching project.
Check out the co-working community that Lexington writers and New York Times bestsellers call home.
A guide to skating, skiing, and snow-filled fun close to home.
The annual Great Backyard Bird Count attracts more than one million people nationwide to help record the bird population.
We’re just a bunch of weirdoughs diving head first into LEX’s must-try pizza shops including Goodfellas, Pearl’s Pizza Pie, and Rolling Oven.