Nature at Home Volunteer Program

The Nature at Home Certification Program provides education and encouragement on best practices for growing spaces in New Hanover County that nurture native plants, beneficial insects, pollinators and other wildlife. Additionally, participants of the program learn how to adopt environmentally friendly landscaping practices that reduce resource consumption and increase eco-system services. Any size space from porch to backyard is eligible. All informational resources for this program are made available for free online at https://newhanover.ces.ncsu.edu/nature-at-home/ and in person at the Cooperative Extension Plant Clinic located at the New Hanover County Arboretum (6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403), open Monday through Friday 10am-4pm. Participants residing within in New Hanover County also have the option to apply with a $30 fee to receive a site visit by a pair of trained Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. A site report is returned to the resident offering suggestions on enhancements, and if the site qualifies the resident receives a sign signifying the effort. For applicants that don’t certify immediately, volunteers continue to engage at no extra cost until the applicant passes. Site visits are scheduled April 1 through October 31.