Lisa Maier and her husband, Christopher, have been working to naturalize their quarter acre lot since they moved in eight years ago. Lisa’s passion for birds and fascination with the interconnected relationship between birds, insects, and plants has been the driving force behind her yard’s design as she aims to create a hot spot for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. In 2016, Lisa and her husband purchased two lots totaling 1/2 acre down the street from their home. They named the site Twin Oaks after the two large Bur Oaks that grace the property. They have since worked to naturalize the lawn-dominated site by planting a variety of native flora, removing invasive species and practicing ecologically sustainable practices. Both their yard and Twin Oaks are used to teach and inspire the surrounding community on how a small suburban yard can be a sanctuary for birds, insects and wildlife. The combined sites contain around 165 species of native flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs. The sites also support 135 species of birds, eight species of bumblebees and countless other native bees (including Rusty-patched bumblebees), and a variety of moths, butterflies and other insects.
Directions: Entrance to our village is Sunset Dr. located off of River Rd. (near Lily Lake Rd.) Stay on Sunset Dr. until reaching the second stop sign, Lilac St. and turn left. Turn right on first road, Poplar St. I is the first house on the right. Cars can pull over partly onto the shoulder and park down the block.
