Conversations are great, but you can’t talk to everyone. Another especially effective way we explain our yard is by displaying signs: some purchased from environmental organizations (described below) and some we’ve created ourselves that are free to download.
Signs don’t always work, as this sign on our front door proves, but, on the other hand, most of our packages are indeed delivered to our side door!
I’m just as certain that some people ignore the messages on our signs, at least some people think about the messages on our other yard signs and take action.
One of Wild Ones’ recommendations for increasing a habitat garden’s acceptance in the neighborhood is to follow the BRASH principles (Border, Respect the rights of others, Advertise, Start small, and Humanize). “Advertise” explains why you’re creating a different type of landscape. (Read more about the rest of the principles …)
These purchased signs are professionally-designed, durable, and have remained attractive through the years.
We think they’re worth purchasing since they’re well-made, and especially because our purchases help support these organizations.
Signs we purchased
Homegrown National Park
This shows that we’re “on the map” — on the map of properties that have planted native plants!
The Homegrown National Park is an initiative of Doug Tallamy’s and refers to the fact that all of our private properties has more land than all the national parks put together!
Note that you can customize the (fairly large) sign at the bottom. Buy the sign at the HNP store.
There’s a kid’s version, too!
Syracuse Cultural Workers
The sign says, “Pesticide Free: This area SAFE FOR CHILDREN, pets, and other living things.” (Formerly available from the Syracuse Cultural Workers.)
Beyond Pesticides
This is the sign we purchased from Beyond Pesticides.
Cavity Conservation
We purchased the Wildlife Tree sign from The Cavity Conservation Initiative.
People DO read it, and hopefully it explains what they’ve probably always wondered as they’ve walked by over the years: “Why haven’t those people cut down that dead tree?”
You can purchase it on their online store (and learn lots more about how and why to leave “dead” trees).
Wild Ones
We purchased this sign from Wild Ones. It’s not a certification program, and anyone can display it.
NOTE: This Wild Ones sign is no longer available.
NOTE: This sign is no longer available.
Wild Ones also has a butterfly garden sign you can buy AFTER you certify your yard.
The nice thing is that if your butterfly garden is already certified by Monarch Watch as a Monarch Waystation or if it’s certified by the North American Butterfly Association, it’s pre-qualified.
Monarch Watch
After becoming certified as a Monarch Waystation, we were eligible to purchase this sign from MonarchWatch. Not only does it advertise why we are planting milkweed and nectar plants, but it also is a public education message to let people know that milkweed is essential for monarchs. We do see people reading our signs, so we hope we’re helping educate people about the importance of milkweed.
The Xerces Society
We purchased these three signs from The Xerces Society both because we wanted to explain our habitat garden practices to passers-by, but also because we want to support all the good work Xerces does.
They’re a little pricey, but they’re well-made and last many years based on our experience with our first sign (below). We donate frequently to Xerces anyway since it’s one of our favorite non-profits, so it was just like getting the signs for free!
Pollinator Pathways
I registered my property to be on the Pollinator Pathway and then was eligible to buy this sign.
My whole yard is pollinator-friendly, but I put this sign at the end of my hellstrip.
Of course, my “pathway” is a dead-end since only my yard is included, but in some parts of NYS and in other states, there are actual pathways.
Pollinator Partnership
This is the Pollinator Partnership sign I have at the other end of the hellstrip.
National Wildlife Federation
This was our first sign, purchased shortly after we became certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.
The name of the program has since been changed to Certified Wildlife Habitat and the current sign is different, too. (You can also now purchase some really snazzy wall or yard plaques, though they’re quite expensive.)
Resources
- Xerces Society:
Reflections
In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught.
~ Baba Dioum (1894-1969)