Overview
Our goal is to help you create the pollinator and wildlife habitat of your dreams so you can enjoy your land and care for the plants and animals that also call your property home. We recognize that everyone’s needs are different, and our services reflect that. We’re here to provide you with whatever level of service you may need to achieve your pollinator and wildlife habitat dreams.
Detailed Descriptions of Services
Habitat Survey
Creating the wildlife and pollinator habitat of your dreams starts with knowing your goals and what you already have on your property. During our habitat survey, we will help you focus your goals and learn what is already growing in your woods, fields, and “wilder areas.”
Most people are surprised to discover all the interesting plants and animals they already have. Rarely is someone starting completely from scratch. We’ll help you discover what you already have and find ways to build upon it to achieve your habitat dreams. We can do this for any property size from small residential lots to large rural acreages.
How it works:
- To get started, please fill out our questionnaire.
- This will allow us to learn a little bit about your property and give us a general overview of what you are wanting to do with it.
- We’ll review your questionnaire, answer any questions you might have, ask any additional questions we may have, and provide you with a quote.
- We’ll work with you to schedule a time for the habitat survey.
Habitat Creation Plan
Knowing what you want to accomplish isn’t the same as knowing how to do it. Sometimes you want a more detailed plan and additional guidance. That’s where our Habitat Creation Plans come in.
With our Habitat Surveys, you’ll receive a summary of everything we talk about, but our Habitat Creation Plans dig deeper. Our Habitat Creation Plans will provide you with a unique, customized plan that will guide you step-by-step as you turn your property into the pollinator and wildlife habitat of your dreams.
How it works:
- The first step is to do a habitat survey so that we can learn a little bit about your property and what you are wanting to do with it.
- Please fill out the habitat survey questionnaire mentioned above.
- After we’ve conducted the habitat survey, we’ll create the detailed plan for you.
- You’ll be able to review the plan we created, discuss anything that is unclear or that you have questions about, and receive a round of revisions if needed.
Virtual Coaching and Support
In addition to our habitat consulting services, we also offer ongoing, virtual coaching and support through the Backyard Ecology Community. The Backyard Ecology Community is designed to help busy homeowners in the eastern U.S. create thriving backyard ecosystems they can enjoy and be proud of. Depending on your situation, it can be a great option either instead of an on-site habitat consultation or in addition to an on-site habitat consultation.
The chart below provides some of the pros and cons of each option. If you’re still not sure which is the right choice for you, contact us and we’ll help you figure it out.
On-site consultation vs virtual coaching
Which is right for you?
On-site Consulting
Pros
- On-the-ground professional insights: You get a professional’s on-site opinion. They may see things you don’t.
- Less initial time and thought investment: Just do what they tell you and follow their plan.
- Familiar communication method: Talking face-to-face is easy – we’ve been doing that for practically our entire lives.
Cons
- Accessibility: It may be hard to find a qualified consultant.
- Expense: Travel costs add up quickly, especially if the consultant isn’t local.
- Limited access to expertise: Consultant takes knowledge and skills with them when the project is done.
Virtual Coaching
Pros
- Save money: You can often get several months or even a year’s worth of virtual coaching for the price of one on-site consultation.
- More accessible: You aren’t limited to finding someone who is local to where you live.
- Ongoing support: You can get help with questions and unexpected challenges as they come up.
- Builds confidence: You are empowered to do your own habitat creation and maintenance.
- Expertise is yours to keep: The knowledge and skills you gain can be applied, not just to the immediate project, but also to additional projects you want to do in the future.
Cons
- You get out of the program what you put into it: Requires more time and thought from you on the front end because you aren’t handed a readymade plan to follow.
- You don’t know what you don’t know: You may not see everything that a consultant sees, or even if you see it, you might not recognize that it’s important. (Although we try to help you identify those things.)
- Technology: You don’t have to be a tech guru, but you do need to be comfortable using basic technology such as message boards and Zoom to communicate. (We’re willing to help you learn.)
