Programs & Events
Wild Back Yards
Summit Metro Parks invites you to explore ways to make changes in your own outdoor space and make a big impact on local wildlife.
Why Do We Care?
Humans are a part of nature, too. When the plant and animal communities around us are healthy, it helps us thrive as well. Wild Back Yards encourages our community to work together to help wildlife and counteract the effects of habitat loss and habitat fragmentation. At Summit Metro Parks, we’re your back yard. And what you do in your yard or outdoor space can help us make an even bigger impact! Join us to receive more information about Wild Back Yards, with tips, resources and useful guides to help you along the way.
GROW A WILD BACK YARD
Help wildlife and earn rewards from the comfort of your own home! We can help with simple actions in our own back yards or adopted gardens. Download a form and track your progress with simple checklists and tips from SMP experts.
Seasonal Yard Tips
No matter what time of year it is, there are steps you can take to grow your Wild Back Yard. Late summer is an excellent time to identify woody invasive species and consider methods for removal, or prepare for bird migration with bird-friendly window treatments. Be sure to follow SMP on social media for more tips throughout the season!
Seed Planting Instructions
Have you received a seed packet from Summit Metro Parks? We’re sharing them for free! This diverse blend of native flowers can be planted to provide critical habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
Attend a Program
Join Summit Metro Parks for an educational program to learn more about Wild Back Yards! Programs vary by month and may cover gardening tips for home, plant identification and more. Check our programs and events listings to join the fun.
Plant ID Help
Find out whether your plants are native to the area! Any of the following identification tools may be helpful in your search:
Find Native Plants
Curious about where to find native plants to put in your yard? You can’t dig them up from the parks, but you can find them nearby! Below is a list of vendors that have met our criteria as trusted sources for native plants.
Wild Back Yards are For All
Like your Metro Parks, Wild Back Yards are for all! Whether you have sprawling acreage or a small front porch, there are ways to participate. If you don’t have a traditional backyard, consider planting a container garden or adopting a local garden space. Propose growing a Wild Back Yard at your place of work, church or other affiliate organization. Just like the remarkable adaptability of our native plants, we, too, can embrace these challenges and bring the benefits of native landscaping to diverse settings. The possibilities are as varied as the landscapes we wish to enhance!
Photo Gallery
Wild Back Yards Partners
To learn more about the Wild Back Yards partner program and qualifications, visit the program summary.
Grow a Wild Back Yard
Whether big or small, every action toward a Wild Back Yard can make a difference. Let Summit Metro Parks guide you on your journey toward growing your Wild Back Yard!