At Taylor Morrison, we’re not just building homes—we’re creating places where nature and community grow side by side. Sustainability and conservation are at the heart of how we design the place you love most, home.
How are we ensuring you live in beautiful, sustainable neighborhoods? In 2019, we launched an exclusive partnership with the National Wildlife Federation, America’s most trusted conservation organization, to protect and enhance biodiversity across our coast-to-coast footprint. From planting native species to creating wildlife habitats and nature-inspired playgrounds, our communities are places for people and nature to thrive.
Check out a quick video on our partnership below:
Why It Matters: Protecting Nature Where We Live
Butterfly Garden at Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch in Lakewood Ranch, FL
As a national homebuilder with thousands of biologically diverse acres, we recognize our responsibility to preserve the natural ecosystems around us.
Sustainable landscaping is about more than beauty. Something as seemingly small as supporting pollinators helps counter the effects of climate change, reduces maintenance costs, and creates resilient environments for generations to come.
Conservation Initiatives in our Communities
Butterfly Garden at La Mira in Mesa, AZ
Here’s how our partnership with the National Wildlife Federation is bringing environmental stewardship to life in our neighborhoods:
Certified Wildlife Habitats®
We apply the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat® standards to parks and open spaces throughout our communities. Our green spaces offer the essential elements for wildlife to thrive:
- Food
- Water
- Cover
- Places to raise young
- Native plants
- Sustainable land management practices
The National Wildlife Federation officially inspects and certifies each habitat, ensuring it meets rigorous ecological standards and enhances community green space.
Monarch Butterfly Gardens
Monarch butterflies have suffered a population decline of more than 90% in recent decades due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. That’s why we’ve committed to installing permanent butterfly demonstration gardens in every community we build.
These gardens feature native milkweed, the only host for monarch caterpillars, and various nectar-rich native plants that support butterflies and a wide range of pollinators and birds.
Monarchs are a keystone species; their presence reflects the health of entire ecosystems.
Sustainable Landscaping with Native and Keystone Plants
Across our certified open spaces, we plant 100% native vegetation and at least 80% native species in our monarch gardens.
Native plants are key! See a few reasons why:
- Require less water and maintenance
- Support local wildlife and pollinators
- Improve soil and water retention
- Reduce carbon footprint
With the help of entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy and his team at the University of Delaware, we’ve introduced Keystone Native Plant Lists tailored to each of our regions.
These science-backed plant selections support 90% of local butterfly and moth species, maximizing biodiversity and ecological impact.
Nature Play Spaces™
Nature Play Space™ at Palmero in Nokomis, FL
Potentially hot take: playgrounds don’t need plastic slides and rubber mulch to be magical. In our communities, we replace traditional playgrounds with Nature Play Spaces™.
Designed in collaboration with landscape architects at the National Wildlife Federation, these spaces are built with natural materials and open-ended design.
The goal? Inspire imagination, foster healthy development, and help kids connect with the natural world.
Habitat Management Plans for Long-Term Stewardship
These green spaces and habitats are meant to last and evolve long after the first homeowner settles in. We are happy to provide Habitat Management Plans and training for our Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs), giving them the tools to care for wildlife gardens, certified habitats, and Nature Play Spaces™ for the long term.
The Bigger Picture: Enhancing Life for Homeowners
There’s something special about being part of a community that significantly impacts conservation. These efforts help wildlife and create a more profound sense of place, community, and connection.
How You Can Get Involved
Butterfly Garden at Parkside at Cherry Creek in Groveland, FL
Anyone can help support pollinators and wildlife with a few adjustments to your yard, balcony, or garden. Learn how to get started at the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife website and bring nature to your doorstep today!
Building for Today and Tomorrow
Our partnership with the National Wildlife Federation reflects a longstanding commitment to building sustainable and regenerative communities where nature and neighborhoods thrive together.
By supporting wildlife, protecting native ecosystems, and connecting with the natural world, you can live in a truly meaningful place—today and for years to come.
