Leading by Example: Members Certifying Native Landscapes Across the Greater Baton Rouge Area

Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge Members are actively adding native plants to their landscapes to share and enjoy the beauty of our native flora, preserve local ecotypes, benefit pollinators and wildlife, and protect the ecological value of their land.

The Louisiana Certified Habitat program by the Louisiana Native Plant Society (LNPS) “recognizes the efforts of Louisiana residents, schools and organizations to conserve our natural heritage.” Participants apply for certification, and a representative visits the yard, helps to identify the native plants, and determines the habitat certification level based on either the number of native plant species or the percentage of native plant species on a property. Certified yard owners receive a yard sign that can be proudly displayed for the achievement and to inspire and educate neighbors.

“On a rare occasion an organization makes a move that is transformative,” said Janie Braud, LNPS Director At-Large and Wild Ones GBR Chapter Officer. “It is my opinion that in 2020, the Louisiana Native Plant Society made a transformative move with the initiation of the Louisiana Certified Habitat program (LCH). In those 5 years, 433 habitats are proudly displaying the LCH sign. Why is that important? 433 property owners have made the decision that supporting wildlife through planting native is important. Countless others, through conversations or seeing signage, now have awareness that what plants they choose to place in their yard matters. Butterflies, bees, moths, frogs, lizards, birds and even snakes are also “happier”. There is a growing human awareness of the value of sharing Earth’s resources.”

In a survey of the certified yard owners, LNPS asked what plant species were the “rock stars,” with qualities such as hardiness, eye-catching, long-lasting blooms, or not overly aggressive. The top flower species were: Swamp sunflower, Ironweed, Beebalm, Coreopsis, Indian pink, Salvia, Turk’s cap, Oakleaf hydrangea, and Virginia sweetspire. Favorite trees and shrubs were: Beautyberry, Cypress, Sycamore, Swamp titi, Nuttall oak, Viburnum, Native azalea, Silverbell, Catalpa, Mexican plum, Carolina buckthorn, and Yaupon. 

Congratulations to our Wild Ones chapter members that have certified yards and properties!