Virginia Couple Transformed Yard Into Wildlife Habitat

Brittany Lafave and Ryan Webb created a native sanctuary on their 1-acre property that was completed in April 2026.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Landscaping

Bold vector editorial illustration of a lush native garden with wildflowers and weathered driftwood, evoking a sustainable wildlife habitat. — Homeowners in Virginia successfully converted their one-acre property into a flourishing native wildlife sanctuary using repurposed materials and indigenous plants. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you convert your own lawn into a native wildlife habitat?

Brittany Lafave and Ryan Webb converted their 1-acre backyard into a flourishing wildlife habitat. The project, which concluded in April 2026, aimed to bring elements of the Blue Ridge Mountains to their Virginia home.

Why it matters

By prioritizing native plants and repurposing existing materials, the couple successfully created a sustainable refuge for local wildlife. This approach highlights how homeowners can foster ecological diversity in residential spaces with minimal intervention.

The renovation project spanned 1 acre of land and was completed over a 6-month period. The total cost for the backyard transformation ranged between $500 and $600.

The players

Brittany Lafave

Brittany Lafave is a resident who moved to Virginia in 2025 and spearheaded the native garden project.

Ryan Webb

Ryan Webb is a resident who co-designed the wildlife-focused landscape to mirror the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The details

The couple repurposed natural features like a dead tree and a buried concrete pad to build their garden, which now includes cardinal flowers, goldenrods, and asters. By choosing to let native plants grow rather than clearing the land, they attracted wildlife including rabbits, chipmunks, groundhogs, and various birds.

The couple moved to the Virginia property in winter 2025.
The renovation project was completed in April 2026.

Culture Shift

This project reflects a broader move toward rewilding, where homeowners prioritize biodiversity over manicured lawns. It follows the pattern set by the National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat program by establishing a food and shelter source for local species.

Homeowners interested in replicating this habitat can reduce their overall lawn maintenance by allowing native plants to thrive in place. The project demonstrates that creating a wildlife-rich backyard is achievable with modest financial investments.

The takeaway

Embracing native flora allows residents to create a functional ecosystem that supports local species with minimal cost. Converting parts of a lawn into a naturalized habitat can effectively lower maintenance needs while enhancing environmental connectivity.