The Grange Insurance Audubon Center (GIAC) and Columbus Audubon (CA) teamed up in 2021 to create a Native Plant Backyard Challenge. In 2023, Franklin County Soil and Water District has joined and we’re looking for return and new households in central Ohio who would like to transform or further develop their outdoor spaces 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 Program that will help support the importance of native plant habitats in increasing and preserving biodiversity.

Registration comes with an informational toolkit (available starting March 1st), goodie bag of gardening supplies to get you started along with vouchers, workshops, special events and a NPBYC participation sign to display in your outdoor space throughout the challenge. SOLD OUT FOR 2023 as of 2/26/23!

 

***Those registering also have the option to become a Grange Insurance Audubon Center, Columbus Audubon, National Audubon Society member as an individual or family. Click here to become a member! Already a GIAC, CA, NAS member - contact Allison Clark at allison.clark@audubon.org to check your membership expiration date and renew easily online.***

WHY SHOULD I RETURN?
We have bigger bags and some new goodies to help make your home more bird friendly. We also have new events and workshops to expand your native plant knowledge.

     DECEMBER 2022: Registration opens - Be sure to scroll down to the NPBYC Registration (please be sure to complete the participant information form you'll receive within a week of registering)

     MARCH 2023: Challenge Begins - Receive your digital information toolkit materials via email or pick up your hard copies at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. Join the NPBYC private Facebook Group (any announcements will also be available to those who are not on Facebook; however, this is a great platform to get to know other challenge participants, ask questions and share progress throughout the challenge!) Participants plan their outdoor spaces and submit before picture of their outdoor spaces.

          MARCH 4 - Garden Design Workshop by Preservation Parks

          MAY 7 - Native Plant Sale at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center

          JUNE 6 - Rain Barrel Workshop by FCSWD

          JULY 1 - - NPBYC Garden Tour

         AUGUST 1 - Virtual Pollinator Workshop by Xerces Society
    
 AND MANY MORE EVENTS! The above events are FREE for participants. Many more events will be announced leading up to and throughout the challenge. Be on the lookout for more from FCSWD and Columbus Garden School!

*If you are interested in participating in the upcoming 2023 NPBYC but the fee may be cost prohibitive, please reach out to Allison Clark (GIAC Operations Manager) at allison.clark@audubon.org to request 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. 

*Interested in sponsoring a household? To donate towards sponsoring a household, please contact Allison as well to learn how to do so.

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 2023 NPBYC? Please contact Anne Mauro, GIAC Senior Conservation Coordinator, at anne.mauro@audubon.org

QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION? Please contact Allison Clark, GIAC Center Operations Manager, at allison.clark@audubon.org

SOLD OUT AS OF 2/26/23!