In a word, no. Not when we’re talking about our urban and suburban spaces, where natural habitat is shrinking and birds are struggling to find what they need to survive. A landscape rich with native plants becomes more than a pretty yard; it becomes an oasis. Birds, butterflies, bees, and countless other species rely on these plants for food, shelter, and nesting sites. And the benefits don’t stop with wildlife. Native landscapes help cool our cities, absorb floodwater, and improve the air we breathe.  

At Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful these changes can be. One of our most successful efforts to grow bird-friendly communities is our Native Plant Sale. In 2025 alone, nearly 5,800 plants went home with community members during our spring and fall events. That represents about 600 purchases, many from returning gardeners who keep expanding their native landscapes. Before each sale, we offer native plant walks and landscaping classes to help people plan their gardens with confidence.  

The momentum is unmistakable. More residents are reducing turfgrass and replacing it with native species. As neighborhoods fill in with these plants, they create living corridors that connect our remaining natural areas. Protecting places like the 200 acres at Dogwood Canyon is essential, but declining bird populations tell us that conservation can’t stop at park boundaries. Every yard, balcony, and shared green space matters. Every space helps bend the bird curve in the right direction.  

How You Can Help Birds Thrive at Home  

• Add native plants to your landscape and remove nonnative or invasive species. A small water feature or birdbath can make an even bigger impact.  

• Make your home safer for birds by turning off unnecessary lights at night, using downward facing outdoor lighting, and treating windows to reduce reflections and prevent collisions.  

• Volunteer to help maintain our gardens, remove invasive plants, or lead a native plant walk.  

• Join community science efforts like the Christmas Bird Count, Great Backyard Bird Count, Project FeederWatch, or by submitting your sightings to eBird. Explore eBird data for Dogwood Canyon to see what others are finding.  

• Support native plant sales to grow species inventories and reach more people who want to create bird friendly homes.  

Adding plant diversity at home is a win for birds, a win for people, and a win for the health of our communities.