1KHO 461: Stop Mowing, Start Growing | Douglas Tallamy, Nature's Best Hope

The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

In this eye-opening episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich welcomes renowned entomologist and author Douglas Tallamy to help us rethink what it means to care for our yards—and our planet. Tallamy explains why America’s 44 million acres of lawn are ecological dead zones, consuming billions of gallons of water, massive amounts of pesticides, and precious hours of our time—while giving almost nothing back to the environment. But there’s a better way. From planting native trees like oaks to encouraging blooming plants that feed pollinators all season long, Tallamy shows how small changes in our yards can create massive ripples for biodiversity, conservation, and climate resilience.

Tallamy introduces his revolutionary concept of the Homegrown National Park—a grassroots movement to convert half of America’s lawns into thriving ecosystems that support insects, birds, and other wildlife right outside our windows. He shares powerful facts, practical advice, and captivating personal stories, including how thousands of caterpillars are needed to raise just one nest of chickadees and why giving kids hands-on access to nature can transform not just their health, but their ecological literacy. This episode is a call to action for families who want to turn their homes into havens—for both people and the planet.

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Get your copy of Nature's Best Hope here

Learn more about Douglas Tallamy here

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