Transforming your urban yard into a thriving, active ecosystem can be overwhelming. That's why we're bringing in more science than ever to help guide our decisions.
Starting this summer, we'll conduct ecological testing to determine how healthy your yard really is as a functioning ecosystem. We'll be looking to see how much carbon it is sequestering, how much food it's producing, and what little buddies are living there.
Like a detective unraveling clues in a mystery novel, ecological testing offers the key to deciphering the unique intricacies of your yard's ecological tapestry.
Green Grass Isn't Green
Chemical use in traditional gardening poses significant environmental and health risks. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 100 million pounds of pesticides are used annually in the United States alone, and many of these chemicals leach into our soil, waterways, and air.
These pesticides harm non-target organisms like beneficial insects, birds, and mammals and pollute our drinking water sources. Additionally, synthetic fertilizers commonly used in traditional gardening contribute to nutrient runoff, leading to algal blooms and dead zones in water bodies.
Despite their lush green appearance, chemically treated lawns often come at a hidden cost to our planet's health and biodiversity. A green yard isn't necessarily green if it relies on chemical inputs that degrade ecosystems and compromise human and environmental well-being.
Is Your Yard Healthy and Not Just "Green"?
Assessing the health of your yard involves considering various factors, including soil quality, plant diversity, and wildlife presence. Healthy soil is essential for a thriving yard, and a soil test can provide detailed information about nutrient levels, pH, microbial activity, and the presence of pesticides.
A healthy yard typically features diverse plant species, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses. Native plants, in particular, are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them resilient and low-maintenance choices for landscaping.
Observing the variety of plants in your yard and their overall condition can indicate the health of your ecosystem. A biodiverse yard attracts a wide array of wildlife, from birds and butterflies to bees and beneficial insects.
Observing the presence of pollinators, songbirds, and other wildlife species in your yard suggests that your ecosystem is healthy and functioning well.
Providing habitat features such as trees, shrubs, water sources, and nesting sites can encourage wildlife to visit and inhabit your yard.
We use surveys and data collection to test soil quality, biodiversity, and wildlife presence. These surveys provide a detailed analysis of your yard's ecological health and biodiversity, allowing for the development of targeted strategies to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Scientific tools and methods such as GIS mapping, visual surveys targeting indicator species, species-specific tests for birds, insects, and plants, biodiversity assessments, soil fertility assessments, and pollination surveys are used to gather data and inform evidence-based conservation practices.
Investing in Testing
Investing in testing is worth it because the benefits of rewilding small urban spaces are compelling, and your yard can be part of the body of research that proves it!
A comprehensive assessment highlights ecological health and biodiversity, providing property owners valuable insights and tailored recommendations for enhancing biodiversity. Furthermore, rewilding initiatives offer customized solutions based on the property's specific needs and characteristics, maximizing biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Investing in surveys and monitoring services ensures the long-term success and sustainability of rewilding projects and allows property owners to track changes in biodiversity and ecosystem function over time.
Additionally, rewilding initiatives provide property owners with educational opportunities to learn about native species and conservation practices, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
With the expertise and qualifications of experienced ecology and biodiversity conservation professionals, property owners can trust that they receive accurate data and expert recommendations to support their rewilding efforts.
Rewilding and Resiliency
Rewilding urban spaces represents a transformative approach to urban planning that prioritizes biodiversity conservation, ecosystem health, and human well-being.
Through collaborative efforts and strategic investments in rewilding initiatives, we can create healthier, more resilient, and sustainable urban environments for future generations.
Meet Maddy Green, Head of Rewilding Surveys and Testing
Hello Portlanders! I'm Maddy Green, an Environmental Science graduate from Portland State University.
For as long as I can remember, I've harbored a deep-seated love and admiration for our natural world and its wildlife.
This passion has been the driving force behind my career, as I've committed myself to the pursuit of protecting and nurturing our environment while dreaming of a way to cultivate a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature. I'm thrilled to be diving into research to study just that right here in our community.
I’ll be your local environmental researcher, embarking on a mission to study the impacts of rewilding efforts across our urban landscape. From assessing biodiversity to examining habitat fragmentation, my research aims to uncover valuable insights that will help shape the future of our city's green spaces. So, join me as we explore, learn, and work together to make Portland an even greener, healthier, and more resilient city for generations to come.
Hire Urban Rewilding
Hire Urban Rewilding and Food Project for environmental testing and tailored yard health planning because of our unparalleled expertise in sustainable landscaping and food production.
With a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, their team combines scientific knowledge with innovative approaches to create customized solutions that maximize the health and productivity of urban landscapes.
Comprehensive environmental testing can provide valuable insights into your yard's soil quality, nutrient levels, and carbon sequestration potential. Our tailored plans are designed to enhance biodiversity, promote native plantings, and optimize food production. This results in a thriving ecosystem that supports ecological health and produces the healthiest, most nutrient-rich food possible.
With Urban Rewilding and Food Project, LLC, you can trust that your yard will become a vibrant and sustainable oasis that benefits you and the environment.
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