More than 27,000 Americans have joined a nationwide effort to rewild their outdoor spaces, converting traditional lawns into vibrant habitats that support birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.
- 27,000+ participants committed to rewilding over 61,000 acres
- Native plants provide essential habitat for local wildlife
- Program offers simple weekly steps and free ecological assessment
What happened
The Less Lawn More Life Challenge invited homeowners nationwide to replace parts of their conventional lawns with native plants that support local wildlife. Since its launch, over 27,000 participants have pledged to rewild more than 61,000 acres, collectively creating thousands of new habitats for birds, pollinators, and other species.
Participants engage in weekly guided actions like planting native species, removing invasive plants, and monitoring wildlife, making it easy for people of all experience levels and space sizes to contribute. The challenge also features an ecological scoring system called the Wildr Score, which allows participants to track improvements in their yard’s biodiversity.
Why it feels good
Rewilding backyards provides a powerful way for homeowners to help reverse habitat loss caused by urbanization. By converting traditional turf grass into native plant gardens, participants create interconnected green spaces that can support thriving wildlife populations across communities.
Moreover, native plants are adapted to local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water and fertilizer than traditional lawns. Their deep roots help improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and absorb stormwater, offering homeowners both ecological benefits and lower-maintenance outdoor spaces.
What to enjoy or watch next
Those interested in joining can sign up for the ongoing Less Lawn More Life Challenge to receive weekly emails filled with simple, practical steps to start rewilding their yards, whether big or small. Even city dwellers with balconies or small gardens are encouraged to participate.
Keep an eye on local conservation groups and ecological educators supporting the movement for upcoming workshops and resources. Tracking your Wildr Score over time can be a rewarding way to see how small efforts lead to tangible improvements in biodiversity, connecting you with nature right at home.