How to Go Wild… and Feel Great About It!

Human activity and commercial development have led to all kinds of problems for plants and animals. As a result of habitat loss, rising temperatures and air/water pollution, nearly a million species may face extinction in the next few decades.

But nature has proven to be resilient, if we let it alone and give it a chance. The rewilding movement aims to do just that. Cities and countries all over the world are giving up control of unused areas and letting them transform into natural oases. By creating new habitats for plants and animals, biodiversity increases—to the delight of citizens who then have greater exposure to nature. Scotland is bringing back native flora and fauna to the Scottish highlands, hoping to become the first rewilded nation in the world. California will demolish four dams along the Klamath River to restore critical salmon habitats. And a former elevated railway in New York City was transformed into a lush garden bursting with life—a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Rewilding can be effective on a much smaller scale as well. Every individual can make an impact in their own backyard. You’ll help wildlife and you’ll reduce your yard work as well!

To bring wildlife back to your yard, consider the following:

1. Stop using fertilizers and pesticides.
   For an ecosystem to establish itself, there can’t be chemicals which harm native species, including billions of microscopic fungi, bacteria, insects and more.

2. Leave the leaves.
   Move leaves into a pile in the corner of your yard for insects and small mammals to hide out in or make a home.

3. Postpone pruning until spring.
   Instead of cutting back plants at the end of the growing season, wait until new growth starts in spring. That gives birds and insects a place to stay during winter.

4. Stack firewood year-round.
   Beneficial insects, such as ground beetles, thrive in log piles. They help pollinate gardens and prey on ants, mites and slugs, so they’re good to have around.

5. Introduce a water source.
   Water is a wonderful addition, whether a pond, bird/bee bath or simple ground depression where rain puddles can form.

6. Add layers of wilderness.
   Elements at different heights fill out an ecosystem, offering more hiding places, food sources and organic materials for organisms to thrive. Moss, fungi, flowers, grasses, bushes and trees all work together in a well-rounded ecosystem.