About Me

I’m a political scientist by training and an international development nonprofit manager by vocation. Or I was. Until I decided I was ready for a second chapter in my career, this time around in the areas of biodiversity restoration and sustainable landscape design. The point here is that I’m not an expert ecologist, botanist, entomologist, horticulturalist or landscaper. I’m an amateur, and a newbie amateur at that. There are plenty of people who have dedicated their lives to these subjects and they have my utmost respect and gratitude. I’m writing as a layperson who’s on a steep learning curve, but hoping to share with neighbors, friends and family any interesting observations and discoveries I encounter along the way.

About the Newsletter

One thing I’ve learned is that I’ve made more than my fair share of ecologically unfriendly decisions in my yard out of sheer ignorance. If I can help a few readers avoid my mistakes or, better yet, leapfrog straight to contributing to healthier ecosystems in their communities, I’ll be happy.

I’ll share information and updates that will hopefully help all of us be better stewards of our natural surroundings: why biodiversity matters, what makes a plant native, how to garden for birds and bees, where to find native species and, most important, manageable steps we can take to create mini wildlife preserves around our homes.

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