Native Plants Backyard Challenge

The 2021 Challenge is full and
registration is now closed.

Please be sure to check back later this year for
information on how to register for the 2022 Challenge!

We are looking for 100 people or families in Central Ohio who would like to transform or further develop their backyards into native habitats. Not only will you be able to learn some simple, cost-effective steps to create this native wildlife habitat, but you will also have the opportunity to participate in a Community Science Project that will help to support the importance of native plant habitats in increasing and preserving biodiversity.

The fee to participate is just $25 if you are an Audubon member, or $40 if not – which includes a membership!

Here’s what you receive:

A “tool kit”

– Initial yard survey instructions and accompanying information.
– List of native plants, ideal planting conditions, bloom schedule, and specific birds and insects that are attracted to and depend on each plant.
– A list of invasive plants to avoid, identification, negative impacts, and tips on how to control these plants.
– Schedule of events with monthly speaker information (for now, events will be virtual).
– A participation sign for you to display in your yard to spread the word about your efforts in establishing a more native outdoor space.
– A few extras to help you with your gardens.

Seeds and plugs

An envelope with your choice of seeds from a seed buffet and four seed plugs to get you started (additional seeds, plugs and plants may be purchased at the challenge plant sales in March and May).

Purchase participation sign

You will also have the opportunity to purchase a sign for your yard indicating your participation in the project (additional fee of $25).

Purchase completion sign

You will also have the opportunity to purchase a Native Plants Backyard Challenge completion sign for your outdoor space recognizing your completion in the program at the end of the year (additional fee of $25).

Sponsorship opportunity

When you check out, you will see an option to sponsor another household to participate in the program. Your sponsorship will cover registration and membership fees as well as provide a plant stipend.

Sponsorships Available

If you are interested in participating in the program but the fee is cost prohibitive, please reach out to Allison Clark, Grange Insurance Audubon Center Public Engagement Manager, at Allison.clark@audubon.org to be placed on our sponsorship wait list. Sponsorship inquiries will be filled as sponsorship opportunities arise. You will be notified via email as soon as your request can be filled.

Important dates

December 1, 2020

Registration Begins

Registration ends on December 31

December 1, 2020

January 24, 2021

Challenge Kickoff

– Pick up your tool kit at GIAC (socially-distanced)
– Join a presentation via Zoom (recorded online if you need to watch later)
– Identify and log your first
Year Bird!

January 24, 2021

January 31, 2021

Plan and Pick Up Seed

In January through March, plan your garden. Starting in February, hit the Seed Buffet and pick up plant plugs at GIAC. You also will receive instructions on finding What’s In My Yard? and how to collect monthly data.

January 31, 2021

March 1, 2021

Survey and Counting Begins

March 1, 2021

May 1, 2021

Get Plants

During May, pick up plant plugs at GIAC, and join our plant sale (in person or virtually) to purchase additional plugs and plants.

May 1, 2021

September 1, 2021

Harvest and Share Seeds

In September through early November, harvest your seeds and share them at our sharing event (seed collection,
plant/seed swap).

September 1, 2021

November 1, 2021

Data Collection /
First Bird

In November through January, collect data on the results — and share your first bird of the year!

November 1, 2021

January 1, 2022

Reunion

Early in the year, on a date to be determined, we’ll have a reunion and discuss what we learned, prepare for the second year, and recruit new participants.

January 1, 2022

Register Now

Native Plants Backyard Challenge

Sponsorships Available

Important dates

Registration Begins

Challenge Kickoff

Plan and Pick Up Seed

Survey and Counting Begins

Get Plants

Harvest and Share Seeds

Data Collection / First Bird

Reunion

Columbus Audubon

Data Collection /
First Bird