Backyard Habitat Builders Workshop Series
We were honored to be 2025 recipients of The Ozark Society Youth Grant, which made our Backyard Habitat Builders series completely free for participating families. This five-month series invited families to build simple, effective wildlife habitats that directly supported pollinators, birds, amphibians, and other native species. Held monthly from May to September in public parks across Benton and Washington counties, each hands-on workshop provided tools, materials, and education to help families transform their own backyards into thriving ecosystem spaces.
By turning backyards and community spaces into stepping stones for wildlife, families strengthened biodiversity, reduced habitat fragmentation, and became active stewards of our Ozark ecosystems.
May Workshop 5/18/25
Bug Hotels @ Lake Atalanta
On a rainy May morning, we kicked off the series by building cozy shelters for solitary bees, ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects. Participants learned that many native pollinators do not live in hives and instead rely on small cavities and protected spaces to nest and overwinter. By installing bug hotels in their yards, families increased pollination capacity, supported natural pest control, and created microhabitats that helped stabilize backyard garden ecosystems.
June Workshop 6/22/25
Toad Abodes @ Rotary Adventure Park Pavilion
Families learned how to create cool, shaded retreats for toads — nature’s very own pest control. We showed attendees how to build perfect hideaways in their yards.
July Workshop 7/6/25
Pollinator Puddlers @ Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
During this session, participants crafted shallow water sources that provided essential minerals and hydration for bees and butterflies during peak summer heat. We explored how pollinators need more than nectar — they also require water and trace minerals for reproduction and survival. By adding pollinator puddlers to their yards, families expanded resource availability and made their spaces more resilient during drought and high-temperature periods.
August Workshop 8/10/25
Seed Bombs @ Johnson City Park
Attendees combined native wildflower seeds, soil, and clay into ready-to-plant seed bombs designed to restore pollinator-friendly habitats. We discussed the importance of native plant species in supporting local insects, birds, and soil health. By planting seed bombs in bare or disturbed areas, families helped increase native plant coverage, improve biodiversity, and create food sources for pollinators throughout multiple growing seasons.
September Workshop 9/21/25
Bird Feeders @ Wilson Park
Families built simple bird feeders using natural and upcycled materials. Participants learned how supplemental feeding can support native birds during migration and seasonal food shortages. By adding feeders to their backyards — alongside native plantings — families increased habitat value, supported seed-dispersing species, and encouraged greater bird diversity in their neighborhoods.