Get involved!
Find the communities, meaningful changemaking, and conversations that you want to be a part of, starting right here!
1. Youth ReWILD​​
with the National Environmental Leadership Fellowship Program at the Rachel Carson Council
Learn more on social @watch_our_step.
*Note: This guide is specific to the Pacific Northwest, but the process can be implemented anywhere!
Rewild Your Yard!
STEP ONE: Decide on the area you want to rewild. This could be your backyard, a neighborhood plot, or a local community garden (with permission).
STEP TWO: Identify and remove invasive plant species in your space. Try to avoid pesticides in weed removal by using a shovel or hand picking them.
Himalayan Blackberry
Thistle
STEP THREE: Identify eco-friendly strategies to remove the hard-to-handle invasives, like Himalayan Blackberries.
I chose these guys :)
STEP FOUR: Gather your materials for rewilding.
Is there a local compost service you can collaborate with? Can you produce your own compost? Use your local state agencies to locate native plant nurseries nearby, and select plants that are best suited to the environmental conditions of your plot.
For example, precipitation, light, and temperature needs of the native plants.
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Does your community have a local tool library that you could work with? Do you have neighbors who could lend you a shovel or two? Take this opportunity to network and build connections.
STEP FIVE: Research the history of Indigenous land stewardship in your area. How has the land been cared for in the past? What knowledge can be applied to your rewildling efforts?
STEP SIX: Visit your local plant nursery! Tell them that you are rewilding your space, and they can provide recommendations for the hardiest and most suitable plants for the area.
STEP SEVEN: Evaluate the best arrangement for your plants given environmental conditions, plant needs, and landscaping design. You can find ecological landscaping ideas here. ​
STEP EIGHT: Start digging!
If you have trees and plants that require substantial soil depth, it's a good idea to check with your state 811 service beforehand.
Add compost and water to each of your plant sites prior to planting. ​
Western Sword Fern
Evergreen Huckleberry
Oregon Grape
Pacific Rhododendron
**Important Note: Don't be discouraged if some of your plants struggle, or get eaten by insects or herbivores shortly after planting. This happens! Continue to water and cultivate your plants. They are very resilient.​
STEP NINE: Add a water source to your rewilded landscape for wildlife, like a bird bath!​
STEP TEN: Continue to maintain your rewilded plot, and consider applying for National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat status! ​