The College of Agriculture will host well-known forester Kyle Lybarger at the invitation of Assistant Professor Ryan Thomson. Lybarger is scheduled to speak April 13 at 11 a.m. in Comer Hall room 207.
With 410.7k followers on TikTok and 198k followers on Instagram, you may know him by his handles @NativeHabitatProject or @nativeplanttok.
Lybarger is a forester and social media figure working to promote native plants and grassland conservation. He explores Alabama and identifies a variety of native plant wildlife — often from just wandering roadsides, trails and open fields. His findings have helped restore a number of Alabama’s dwindling grasslands. He was the first known person find purple milkweed in Alabama and the first to document Durand Oak, a plant that typically thrives in prairies.
After an increase in social media popularity, the Alabama A&M alum cofounded the Native Habitat Project with his friends Alan Summerford, an Auburn agricultural economics alum, and Jake Brown, an Auburn environmental engineering alum.
The Native Habitat Project strives to support habitat restoration efforts across Alabama. It provides a variety of services such as property consultations, native plantings, wildlife management plans, forestry consulting, prescribed burning and brand partnerships.
Lybarger’s social media platforms have made him a well-known voice in Alabama as a leading naturalist and advocate for grassland restoration.
Thomson’s environment, society and justice class requested Lybarger to speak about his work. The class only has 14 students, but they have a profound interest beyond classroom learning. With Lybarger’s approval, Thompson invites and encourages other students on Ag Hill to attend Lybarger’s lecture.
