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Habitat fragmentation is one reason for the decline in wildlife species around the world. The problem is big, and one person can be part of the solution by saving home habitats. Each person using their area's native plants at home expands the ability of parks to protect species people enjoy.

National parks are losing needed biodiversity to invasive species escaping from landscaping outside the parks. These plants are well adapted to take advantage of vegetation disturbances such as construction projects, or agriculture. They prevent native species from sprouting, bring down trees, shade out native species, and often reduce wildlife food.

Loss of biodiversity is a loss of potential and possible ecological keystones. Most habitats contain dozens of known species. Since microscopic fungi in the soil, bacteria, and even viruses can be critical to maintaining a species, it is hard to know what effects will follow a loss of biodiversity. These species may also be important for our own future, as catalysts for chemical reactions, or bioremediation of toxic spills. By preserving your home habitat, you are helping parks maintain theirs.

Becoming a park satellite also means less work, fewer chemicals and watering, so lower costs and, of course, wildlife and flowers. Because the plants you will be promoting are ones that evolved over thousands of years for your area, they are already adapted to your weather and soil conditions. A good mix of plants, as nature does in the wild, will help carry your landscaping through the normal wet and dry days of this area. They will be more resistant to native insects. The mix of plants will also make it more difficult for harmful insects to find their favorite food in a medley of chemicals different plants put out as defense.