Designed for landowners, both small (1/4 acre) and large (hundreds of acres), this course highlights the importance of biodiversity to local ecosystem functioning and our quality of life. We examine how biodiversity can be degraded by misguided management practices, poorly-planned development, and landscaping that relies only on exotic plants. Discuss alternative approaches that help sustain biodiversity, along with ideas about natural landscaping, use of native plants, identifying and selectively dealing with pests, and coping with invasive species. Techniques for documenting the biodiversity in your backyard are introduced with printed and internet resources for reference.