by Krystal Brideau
The Huron County Backyard Ecosystems initiative is a growing movement dedicated to transforming local yards and gardens into thriving ecosystems. Spearheaded by Krystal Brideau, a mom, nurse and resident in the heart of Huron County, this community-led effort encourages residents to reduce traditional grass lawns and plant native species, which play a vital role in supporting local pollinators, birds, and wildlife. Inspired by the work of ecologist and entomologist Douglas Tallamy, the initiative envisions a patchwork of native gardens creating interconnected greenways that help restore biodiversity, one backyard at a time.
The Power of Native Plants
Native plants are uniquely adapted to the local environment, making them more resilient and beneficial for wildlife. When planted in place of non-native species, they provide essential habitat for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, which have seen drastic population declines due to habitat loss. Research has shown that small efforts can make a big difference. According to Tallamy's research, replacing just 10% of a traditional grass lawn with native plants can result in a 50% increase in the number of pollinators visiting the area. In some regions, this simple change has led to a rebound of butterfly populations, such as the western monarch, which was on the brink of extinction in the year 2020 with fewer than 2000 butterflies counted, now up to over 335,000 counted in the year 2022.
Local Access to Native Seeds
A core element of the Huron County Backyard Ecosystems initiative is its effort to make native plant seeds more accessible to the community. Thanks to a partnership with the Huron County Library, residents can borrow seeds from the library’s seed bank, with no obligation to return seeds, though contributions are always appreciated. This initiative removes barriers to participation, allowing anyone to start a native plant garden, regardless of their gardening experience or resources.
Uplifting Success Stories
Around the world, habitat restoration has shown incredible promise. In California, the reintroduction of native plants in urban spaces has been linked to the resurgence of the endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly, which was once on the verge of extinction. Similarly, in Texas, the native plant movement has contributed to the recovery of the black-capped vireo, a bird species that had been critically endangered due to loss of habitat. These success stories offer hope and demonstrate that collective efforts, even at a local level, can make a significant impact. Published on September 12, 2024, there have been new sightings of the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly as far north as Pittsburgh, a species that has not been present this far north in the Carolinian zone in 87 years! This reintroduction of a beloved butterfly is thanks to the restoration of its only host plant, the pawpaw tree, to the area.
Closer to home, the movement in Huron County has already started to show results. Several participants have reported increased sightings of pollinators like bees and butterflies within weeks of planting native flowers and shrubs. By creating small habitats in their own backyards, residents are helping to reverse the trend of habitat loss and decline in species diversity.
Building a Community of Conservationists
To engage the community and keep the momentum going, Huron County Backyard Ecosystems organizes a monthly photo contest where residents can showcase their native gardens. The 2024 winners receive a gift card to a local garden center that specializes in native plants, as well as an autographed copy of The Gardener's Guide to Native Plants of the Southwest Region by Rick Gray and Shaun Booth. This contest serves as a fun and rewarding way to inspire more people to take part in the movement while sharing their successes with others.
A Growing Movement
The collective impact of the Huron County Backyard Ecosystems initiative is already visible across the county. Beyond the benefits to wildlife, the initiative is fostering a stronger sense of community and shared purpose. Neighbours are coming together, inspired by a common goal of creating a healthier environment for future generations.
As more residents convert sections of their lawns into native plant gardens, the ripple effects are undeniable. Studies have shown that habitat restoration efforts like this can lead to an increase in biodiversity and help mitigate the impacts of climate change. By promoting simple, practical actions—like reducing lawns and planting native species—the initiative is laying the groundwork for a brighter, more sustainable future.
With each new garden, the movement strengthens, offering hope that together, we can restore the natural balance and ensure the survival of the many species that call our region home.
Read More:
Huron County Backyard Ecosystems FB Page
Doug Tallamy 10 Things to Get You Started
Western Monarch Population
Return of the Zebra Swallowtail to Pittsburgh
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