Welcome to My Yard
A Simple Way to Start Welcoming Birds
Not every habitat transformation needs to start with a full yard conversion.
Welcome to My Yard is a new, small-scale program from the Conejo Valley Audubon Society designed to make it easy, and approachable, to begin creating bird-friendly spaces at home.
Whether you’re new to native plants or simply short on time, this program helps you take the first step toward supporting local bird habitats, without feeling overwhelmed.
Why The Program Exists
While programs like Lawns to Habitat are incredibly impactful, they can also feel like a big undertaking. Between soil prep, irrigation, and plant selection, even the best intentions can stall.
Welcome to My Yard is designed to:
- Lower the barrier to entry
- Help more people get started
- Turn interest into action
- Grow a more active, engaged community
What Welcome to My Yard Participants Recieve
Selected participants will receive:
- A plant credit with our two participating native plant nurseries
- Guidance on soil amendments, as recommended
- An illustrated yard sign: “Welcoming Birds to My Yard!” (featuring a QR code linking to CVAS resources)
This is a smaller, more manageable grant, but one that still makes a meaningful difference for birds and biodiversity.
More Than A Garden
This program is about more than planting. It’s about welcoming:
- Birds into your yard
- People in conservation
- New members into CVAS
- Participation at every level
It’s a starting point for individuals, for neighborhoods, and for a growing community of people who care about local habitats.
Who Can Apply
This program is open to Conejo Valley Audubon Society members only. We welcome:
- First-time applicants
- Past participants in Lawns to Habitat or Ashes to Habitat
- Anyone curious about getting started with native plants
*Note: A waiting period between larger and smaller grants may apply.
Program Focus
To start, the program will focus on:
- Front yards only
- Highly visible, community-facing spaces
- Creating ripple effects through neighborhood awareness
Those “Welcome” signs aren’t just symbolic—they’re an invitation for others to get involved.
What We're Looking For
Priority will be given to applicants who:
- Are interested in learning about local bird habitats
- Want to deepen their connection to nearby nature
- Are open to sharing their experience with others
This could include:
- Informal neighborhood conversations
- Hosting a casual "slow birding" walk
- Helping other take their first steps
No expertise required—just curiosity and enthusiasm.
The Bigger Picture
By making habitat creation more accessible, Welcome to My Yard helps:
- Inspire future participation in larger programs like Lawns to Habitat
Interested in Going Bigger?
If you’re ready for a more comprehensive transformation, learn more about our Lawns to Habitat program.
Get Started
Applications for Welcome to My Yard will open soon.