In a word: insects. Almost all land birds require insects to feed their young. Even seed-eating birds must provide insects to their nestlings to ensure the survival of their offspring. Many native insects have co-evolved with native plant species and cannot adapt to eating non-native plants. Fewer native plants means fewer insects, which in turn means fewer young birds surviving to adulthood. Growing more native plants will provide food and shelter for both resident and migrant birds as their natural habitats continue to disappear.

Replacing lawn with native plants has additional benefits for humans and the planet: less mowing and maintenance, which translates to fewer greenhouse gas emissions! Plus, native plants are adapted to the growing conditions in our area, which means they generally require much less maintenance than introduced plants do.