Backyard Birds is proud to be celebrating its 20th anniversary this month.

Backyard Birds brings nature-loving consumers a unique in-store shopping experience, highlighting the joy and excitement of attracting wildlife for people of all ages with the finest quality seed and top brand feeders, bird houses, birdbaths and more.

It is Laurie Horne’s passion for wildlife that took her from longtime customer to taking over ownership in 2012 from Jason Ford and Cari Mull, children of the late Roger Ford who founded Backyard Birds (formerly known as Backyard Wild) in 1996. Today, Ford and Mull both continue to play an integral part of Backyard Birds’ success by combining years of experience and friendly customer service.

Horne, who grew up in Alaska, has always had an interest in wildlife and animals. “That’s why taking over ownership of Backyard Birds has been an awarding career transition for me after spending 30 years in the cosmetics industry, 21 years with Belk as their cosmetics buyer”, said Horne.

Focused on meeting the needs of backyard birders and nature watchers, Horne loves the interaction with her customers, learning from their experiences with wildlife and helping others by sharing her own experiences. It is Horne’s passion for wildlife that prompted her to have her own suburban yard in Charlotte declared a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife program.

To kick off the month-long anniversary celebration, Backyard Birds has partnered with area local businesses like Carolina Beer Temple and Seaboard, as well as non-profit organizations including Carolina Raptor Center and Carolina Waterfowl Rescue in celebrating this milestone occasion. Below is just a few of the highlight’s for upcoming events to celebrate:

• Learn how to get your yard, place of business or church certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat at Backyard Birds on October 8, 11AM-2PM
• Bird-Friendly Native Plant Sale with Carolina Heritage Nursery on October 8, 2-4PM
• Guided Bird Walk with birding expert, Tony Lombardino at Colonel Francis Beatty Park on October 15, 8-9:30AM
• Birds, Beer & Wine Event at Backyard Birds on October 15, 4-7PM
• Carolina Raptor Center at Backyard Birds on October 22, 10AM-2PM
• Carolina Waterfowl Rescue at Backyard Birds on October 29, 10AM-2PM
• Drop by with the kids for Trick or Treating October 30, 12-5PM

Come out and celebrate with us all month long. Backyard Birds will be giving away free door prizes throughout the weekend October 28-30 during business hours. No purchase will be necessary. Must be 18 years old or older to qualify.