Turtles and a Homegrown National Park

Last night, my children and I had the joy of helping release Eastern Painted Turtle hatchlings. As I gently held one of the tiny, squirming creatures, its legs kicked at the air, and its face strained toward the water. Over the course of an hour, we watched seven teacup-sized babies disappear into the muck, slowly exploring their new home. 

Thank you, Mike Henry and the Turtle Rescue League, for creating that opportunity.

Not all of us can raise hatchlings in our homes or rehabilitate wildlife, but we can share the outdoor spaces where we live, work, learn, pray, and play. That’s the heart of the Homegrown National Park movement—an effort co-founded by Dr. Douglas W. Tallamy, professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. He recently spoke right here in Newburyport, thanks to the Newburyport Resiliency Committee, to an inspired audience of residents eager to make a difference.

Homegrown National Park (HNP) is a grassroots call to action: regenerate biodiversity by transforming our private and community landscapes into native plant habitats. It’s a mission that resonates deeply with me and with the work I do caring for beautiful, low-maintenance garden ecosystems that nourish both people and wildlife.

Dr. Tallamy’s research reinforces what I see every day: the smallest spaces, when thoughtfully planted, can bring back pollinators, birds, and even fireflies. Gardening this way doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. In fact, it often makes things easier—while reconnecting us with the natural world. 

I am interested in what it would take to come together and put Greater Newburyport on the Homegrown National Park map? Any thoughts?

Core Actions

Leave the Leaves: Wherever you can. Leaf litter supports countless species.

Remove Invasives: Clear out non-native plants that interrupt local food webs.

Shrink the Lawn: Trade unused turf for native plants that serve a purpose.

Plant Keystone Genera: These native plants are the backbone of local ecosystems. Start with oaks and goldenrod (don’t worry—goldenrod doesn’t cause allergies!).

Fire Mosquito Joe: Chemical sprays harm beneficial insects, even when labeled “organic.” Use Mosquito Dunks instead—they’re safer, cheaper, and more effective. Available at most hardware stores.

The Power of the Biodiversity Map

HNP’s interactive Biodiversity Map is a central tool. It lets you register your native plantings, visualize our collective impact, and identify areas where we can do more. It’s community-powered progress you can actually see evolve—and be part of.

Get Involved

Explore Resources: Use HNP’s regional guides to find the best native plants and practices for your yard.

Join the Map: Log your efforts and inspire others 

Take on a Challenge: Participate in programs like “Less Lawn, More Life” for guidance and support.

Spread the Word: Bring HNP into your neighborhood, your school, your faith group, your town. 

Molly Janicki is a sustainable landscape and garden designer offering personalized Horticultural Services who can be contacted at mollyjanicki.com.

For more information about the relevance of contributing to the expansion of this HNP system, or to get started, visit homegrownnationalpark.org. To help rescue turtles, visit turtlerescueleague.org. 

ACES believes we can make a BIG difference together. Team members invite you to stay updated on environmental matters by subscribing to our monthly newsletter via the “Join Our List” link on this page. Please consider joining our community of stewards who are committed to Make Every Day Earth Day by contacting acesnewburyport@gmail.com.

This educational column first appeared in The Daily News of Newburyport on May 30, 2025.