Nature’s Best Hope is Sarah L. Thomson’s middle grade adaption of Douglas W. Tallamy’s book by the same name. The author introduces the concept of Homegrown National Park that aims to regenerate biodiversity and ecosystem function by planting native plants and creating new ecological networks. This can be done in part, says the author, by using the yards around houses that are now planted in grass. Written for children in grades 3-7, the book introduces readers to ecological concepts in simple language and suggests ways to realize the goal of ecological restoration.

After presenting the benefits of Homegrown National Park, the author gives specific recommendations for starting the project with one yard at a time. Selection of plants is first, and readers learn about such concepts as carrying capacity of the land, native and introduced species, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Examples include monarch butterflies, white tail deer, Carolina chickadee, and kudzu. A section on weeds identifies over 15, including ragweed, that play an important role in the environment.

As an entomologist, Tallamy has a special appreciation of insects that he brings to the attention of readers. He tells us caterpillars are a very important source of food for most bird hatchlings in North America, that oaks support over 950 species of insects, and we can help insect survival by turning off outside lights at night. The author pays particular attention to pollinators, especially bees, and provides directions for making a hotel for them out of an empty metal can and some homemade paper tubes.

Final chapters describe ten things families can do to get started on making their yard part of Homegrown National Park, and answer frequently asked questions.

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