Home Gardens: A Key to Reviving Insect Populations
The alarming decline in insect populations has scientists urging homeowners to take action — right in their own backyards. According to University of Rhode Island researchers, native bee species in the state have dropped from twelve recorded species to just seven in recent years. Insects are essential to healthy ecosystems, serving as the foundation of food chains that support birds, fish, and countless other species. Their loss threatens biodiversity and pollination across the region.
Experts say homeowners can make a meaningful difference by transforming even small portions of lawns into insect-friendly habitats. Leaving clover and dandelions, planting native flowers such as golden Alexander, wild bee-balm, and New England aster, and reducing pesticide and fertilizer use all help pollinators thrive. Creating “bee lawns” and leaving leaf litter in corners of the yard also provide critical nesting areas for native bumblebees.
The movement aligns with national efforts like Homegrown National Park, which encourages individuals to turn their yards into vibrant ecosystems. Every small garden contributes to a larger network of pollinator habitats, proving that collective community action can help restore biodiversity—one flower at a time.