Healing Creation One Plant at a Time

Lawn with large tree surrounded by native plants, some blooming with house in the background

Two things are necessary for a blessed tomorrow, we must cut emissions and rebuild biodiversity. Carbon reductions alone are not enough to bring about the necessary balance, humans also must participate in the healing of natural ecosystems.

For much of the US, spring and summer are seasons of hope, reminding us of life anew, and of the resilience of God’s creation. It is the perfect time to take steps to improve the biodiversity in your community and congregation, by shrinking the lawn and adding native trees and plants.

Native gardens support pollinators and wildlife, protect watersheds, build the soil, and sequester carbon. And importantly, native plants are the building blocks of our local ecosystems and have evolved to survive and thrive in their environment. The long-standing relationship between native plants and native wildlife creates healthy living that benefits everyone. Plus, spending time outside digging in the dirt is also good for our spirits and physical health.

The benefits of planting native are vast and include:

Providing the correct food and shelter for local wildlife, from insects and birds to mammals. Native plants and wildlife have evolved together to support one another and depend on each other for survival.
Holding water which reduces the need for additional watering. Native plants are adapted to their specific climate, requiring less water which also saves money.
Filtering the water and improving the quality of the watershed.
Resiliency to changes in the climate and more resistant to pests and diseases.

Native plants tell the story of the unique biodiverse history where we live. One plant at at time, we can all participate in the healing of the earth, from container plants to leading our congregations to turn the lawn into a beautiful native garden.

Start today:

Take action at a level that is appropriate for you. We can all help raise awareness in our congregations and communities, make donations, give native plants as gifts, or lead in our congregations.
Connect with local organizations such as Wild Ones to learn from others, attend native plant swaps, and build community.
Research which plants are native to your area by visiting a local nursery or using the Native Plant Finder and Keystone Plants Guide.
Make a plan to remove introduced (invasive) plants and add native plantings to your lawn and community green spaces.
Talk to your congregational leadership about adding native plants to the grounds of your house of worship.

The beauty and diversity of our local environments starts with each of us. From pollinators in pots on a balcony to a congregation’s acres of land, we are the ones we have been waiting for to heal the earth.

Join One Home One Future for free ongoing resources and information on supporting biodiversity and more.