Hilton Head Audubon certifies Green Thumb as first bird and wildlife-friendly business

Hilton Head Audubon has awarded The Green Thumb and its new Native Plant Resource Center the first designation in its “Certified Bird and Wildlife Friendly” program.

The recognition highlights businesses and organizations that commit to sustainable landscaping practices that support birds, pollinators and other wildlife in the Lowcountry.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at The Green Thumb, 35 Dillon Road. The event will also celebrate the opening of the Native Plant Resource Center, a new resource for gardeners and property owners interested in environmentally responsible practices. The public is invited, and the first 10 attendees will receive a free cutting of a native plant.

Hilton Head Audubon’s Bird and Wildlife Friendly Habitat Certification program was developed to help homeowners, businesses and community organizations improve their landscapes in ways that provide food, water, cover and places to raise young for wildlife. The program uses a checklist covering native plant use, water conservation, invasive plant removal and avoidance of pesticides.

Participants pay a $25 certification fee, which supports Audubon’s local education and conservation programs. Certified properties receive a sign to display recognition of their efforts and their role in supporting the island’s ecological health. More information is available at hiltonheadaudubon.org/Certify-Your-Garden.

Green Thumb, a long-established garden center on Hilton Head Island, recently expanded its services by opening the Native Plant Resource Center. The center offers workshops, demonstration gardens and access to plants that are naturally adapted to the Lowcountry. Staff emphasize that native species not only require less water and maintenance but also provide vital food and shelter for birds, butterflies and pollinators.

By earning the first certification, Green Thumb is positioned as a model for how local businesses can align with conservation goals while serving the community’s gardening needs.

Hilton Head Audubon leaders say the certification program reflects a growing recognition that private yards and business landscapes play an important role in preserving the island’s natural resources. With more than 200 bird species recorded in the area, including migratory species that rely on coastal stopovers, efforts to restore and maintain habitat are increasingly important.

The ribbon cutting at Green Thumb will showcase how a business can contribute to those goals. Alongside celebrating its new designation, the event will introduce residents to resources and plant options that support a healthier environment for both people and wildlife.

For more on Green Thumb’s offerings, visit greenthumbhhi.com.