Wild Back Yards
Partnership Program
We all share a common interest in protecting our world for future generations.
Because of this shared interest, SMP invites Summit County businesses, nonprofit organizations, municipalities and other groups to join in protecting biodiversity by becoming a Wild Back Yards Partner. This partnership comes with a few requirements and numerous benefits.
View a list of Wild Back Yards partners below and read our program summary to learn more. To become a partner, contact [email protected].
Wild Back Yards Partners
Akron Zoo
The Akron Zoo’s mission is to connect your life to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action. We are participating in the Wild Back Yards program by considering native plant species around our park first and removing invasive plant species that aren’t being used for animal browse. We look forward to promoting the program materials to further educate our audience on managing their own outdoor spaces to be wildlife friendly.
Copley Township
The Copley Township Land Use Plan promotes land use which meets the needs of current and future generations without compromising the ecosystems upon which they depend. Environmentally, sustainable practices can help protect natural resources, mitigate and adapt to climate change and promote biodiversity. Promoting Wild Back Yards within the Township is a natural way to support a sustainable and resilient community.
City of Cuyahoga Falls
The City of Cuyahoga Falls strives to be a leader in the region with sustainability-focused programs and initiatives. These efforts include robust environmental education workshops, adding invasive plants to our noxious weed ordinance, expanding our native plant areas, and more. These efforts were recognized by the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern Advisory Committee, which presented the City with the Champion of the River Award in 2025.
Float the River
At Float the River, staff have been actively removing invasive species and planting native plants at their commercial location to support local ecosystems and pollinators. They’ve also implemented these same practices at home because they believe it’s important to walk the walk both on and off the river.
HiHO Brewing Co.
HiHO Brewing Co. promotes the Wild Back Yards initiative by bringing awareness through our collaborative dry hopped pale ale, Wild Back Yards! A portion of proceeds from this beer is donated back to the Summit Metro Parks Foundation. Sustainability is one of the core values at HiHO and being a Wild Back Yards Partner is one way they are helping the community.
Meadow City
Meadow City Native Plant Nursery grows native plants in the heart of Cleveland. Their mission is to make it easy for anyone to create native habitat! To that end, they set their customers up for success, offering thoughtful advice and monthly hands-on gardening workshops. Their plants are descended from wild populations in Northeast Ohio. Some of their seeds even come from Summit Metro Parks, for whose partnership they’re very grateful.
Paradise Natives
The mission of Paradise Natives is to fundamentally challenge and disrupt the land-use ethos of our day. They are an ecological consulting company specializing in residential native plant lawn conversions, rain gardens, invasive species removal and other land management services. They utilize the principles of ecological restoration in their practices, encouraging resilient ecosystems that are structurally and functionally sound and appropriate to the land on which they exist. By rethinking the paradigm of the lawn, Paradise Natives aims to reconnect people to something greater which has been lost.
Powell’s Native Wildflowers
Powell’s Native Wildflowers is a local Ohio native plant nursery and vendor serving Northeast Ohio since 2017. We specialize in growing native wildflowers which we use to promote a more natural, healthy, and sustainable environment for our community and our native fauna. Our plants help Wild Back Yards to establish into thriving habitat.
Summit Soil & Water Conservation District
Summit SWCD provides leadership and advocates for the stewardship of our natural resources and responsible land use through education, technical assistance, and strong partnerships across Summit County. As part of this mission, they promote the use of native plants and support the SMP’s Wild Back Yards program by educating residents and businesses on the value of incorporating native species into their landscapes. Native plants strengthen biodiversity, enhance ecosystem services, reduce stormwater impacts and associated pollution, and contribute to a healthier, more resilient community.
Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners
Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners (TCWP) works to protect and restore the streams, wetlands and natural areas that sustain healthy communities. By encouraging residents to adopt Wild Back Yards practices, like planting native species, reducing turf grass and managing stormwater naturally, TCWP is helping turn ordinary yards into thriving habitats for pollinators and wildlife. These small changes add up to a big impact, creating cleaner water, healthier ecosystems and a more vibrant watershed for everyone.
Wild Ones Greater Cleveland
Wild Ones Greater Cleveland, a local Northeast Ohio chapter of the national nonprofit Wild Ones, connects people and native plants for a healthy planet. Through education, advocacy and hands-on action, Wild Ones Greater Cleveland empower individuals and communities to create resilient, biodiverse landscapes. Together, we’re growing a future where native plants thrive in every community.
