While restoring large areas of habitat in our parks is a part of our mission, it’s equally important that we help create more habitat in business and residential areas as well. Not only will these many small habitats add up to more total habitat area but–perhaps even more importantly–this helps to provide pathways that allow genetic flow through our urban areas. Rather than having isolated pockets of land in our parks with isolated plant and animal populations, we will strive to help create habitat corridors and pollinator pathways.

There are already several great organizations that encourage people to create certified habitat, such as the National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, and National Garden Club. If you already have certified wildlife habitat or ANY native plantings, we suggest that you add your home to the map at: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/. 

As of the start of 2024, Arden Hills only has four sites on the map for a total of ~0.6 acres. We know there are many other homes in the city with native plants and we'd like to see just how many there are.