Dr. Doug Tallamy, entomologist, ecologist and conservationist, will give a virtual presentation at the Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library Thurs., July 13, 2023, at 6:00 pm.

The event is free and open to the public ages 16 to adult. Attendees must register no later than 6:00 pm on the day of the event, July 13. At the time this was written, there were 107 seats remaining.

Author of a number of books, including Nature’s Best Hope, Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware.

His presentation will focus on Homegrown National Park_^®, a grassroots call-to-action that aims to get people to grow native plants; reduce the amount of grass in their lawns; and remove non-native species. People record how much land they have planted with native species and mark it on a free online map of their property. Every time they add more native plantings to their yard, they can include it on the map.

The initial goal of HNP_^® is to restore 20 million acres with native plants, an area representing ½ of what is currently private property in the United States. By replanting grass and exotic species with natives, the country will regenerate its biodiversity and natural ecosystems which will protect and increase the number of pollinators, plants and other wildlife.

The country is at a critical point. So many native plants, insects and animal species have been lost that our natural life support is in jeopardy. By making small changes, however, healthy ecological networks can be changed.

Register to attend the watch party at Exploration Commons at 50 East Main St. in Westminster, MD. Attendees will be eligible for prize drawings. Carroll County Master Gardener Laura O’Callaghan will serve as the moderator.

Those who are unable to attend can join virtually and will receive a link via email 24 hours before the event start time.

Books will be available to purchase from A Likely Story Bookstore at the watch party at Exploration Commons. There will be a 15% discount for all Douglas Tallamy books purchased through A Likely Story Bookstore’s website between Thurs., July 13 and Sat., July 15. 

This program is generously funded through the Laura and Dave O’Callaghan Garden Grant. This program is supported by A Likely Story Bookstore.

All attendees need to register.

#Tallamy, #HomegrownNational Park, #nativeplants, #biodiversity, #ecosystem, #pollinators, #wildlife