How Can I Help?: Saving Nature with Your Yard

by Douglas W. Tallamy

Overview

From a New York Times bestselling author, a wildlife ecology expert and environmental advocate provides readers with the next step in their ecological journey.

In How Can I Help?, Tallamy tackles the questions commonly asked at his popular lectures and shares compelling and actionable answers that will help gardeners and homeowners take the next step in their ecological journey. Topics range from ecology, evolution, biodiversity and conservation to restoration, native plants, invasive species, pest control, and supporting wildlife at home. Tallamy keenly understands that most people want to take part in conservation efforts but often feel powerless to do so as individuals. But one person can make a difference, and How Can I Help? details  how.

Whether by reducing your lawn, planting a handful of native species, or allowing leaves to sit untouched, you will be inspired and empowered to join millions of other like-minded people to become the future of backyard conservation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781643264714
Publisher:	Timber Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	04/08/2025
Pages:	376
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

Doug Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 107 research publications and has taught insect-related courses for 44 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. Among his awards are the Garden Club of America Margaret Douglas Medal for Conservation and the Tom Dodd, Jr. Award of Excellence, the 2018 AHS B. Y. Morrison Communication Award, and the 2019 Cynthia Westcott Scientific Writing Award. Doug is author of Bringing Nature Home, Nature’s Best Hope, and The Nature of Oaks; and co-founder with Michelle Alfandari of HOMEGROWN NATIONAL PARK®. Learn more at HNPARK.org. 

Editorial Reviews

Tallamy is one of the most original and persuasive present-day authors on conservation.”—Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard University

 “Here is one area where individual action really can help make up for all that government fails to do: your backyard can provide the margin to keep species alive. Mow less, think more!”—Bill McKibben, author of Falter

“Even a single person acting boldly with [Tallamy’s] goal in mind could be a crucial source of inspiration for others around them.” —Associated Press

"Doug Tallamy is the godfather of the native-plant movement.” —The Washington Post

"This comprehensive guide, featuring hundreds of FAQs and practical answers, clarifies how specific land stewardship practices can cultivate biodiverse habitats. It equips readers with valuable insights to communicate effectively with friends and neighbors, simplifies complex topics, and demonstrates ways one can foster a deeper connection with nature, starting right in their own yards. This is an important addition to Doug’s best-selling line up of books."—Heather Holm, Pollinator Conservationist and Author

“Doug Tallamy tackles the issues that bedevil anyone interested in a healthy garden and healthy planet: biodiversity, native plants, invasive species, pest control, wildlife, and more…His answers are always thoughtful, useful, and based on research and experience.”—The American Gardener

"A longtime professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware, Tallamy helped kickstart the native plant movement in 2007 with his first book, Bringing Nature Home. His new book, How Can I Help?, lays out the problems and how to fix them as plainly as I’ve ever read them.”—The Los Angeles Times

"Tallamy distills essential takeaways in topics as big as evolution and food webs, alongside targeted, can-do answers, such as reducing hazard to beneficial insects from our human obsession with artificial light at night by switching to yellow lightbulbs and motion detectors."—The New York Times

“With actionable advice on everything from invasive species control to promoting ecological balance, this inspiring guide empowers readers to become active participants in backyard conservation and ecological restoration.”—Sunset

"Tallamy keenly understands that most people want to take part in conservation efforts but often feel powerless to do so as individuals. But one person can make a difference, and How Can I Help? details how."—The Revelator

From the Publisher