At Cantitoe Corners in Bedford, our Chief Naturalist Murray Fisher has been reimagining the land by replacing lawn with native habitat and restoring woodlands. His efforts have already brought back more than 125 bird species, along with turkeys, hawks, and countless insects—showing how quickly a landscape can come alive when given the chance.

Rutgers researchers recently discovered spotted lanternfly DNA in nearly 30% of bat guano samples across New Jersey. That means our native bats are already helping to control this destructive invasive species—no pesticides or traps required. It’s a powerful reminder that when we support healthy ecosystems, nature often finds its own way to restore balance.

New research from ecologist Desiree Narango at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies reveals just how much planting local matters. By studying the Promethea moth, whose caterpillars feed on Prunus species like plums and cherries, Narango found that black cherry (Prunus serotina), a tree both native and local to the Northeast, supported the fastest growth, greatest caterpillar biomass, and highest survival. The takeaway is clear: when we choose locally native trees, we strengthen the foundation of our ecosystems and give wildlife the best chance to thrive.

Even the smallest scraps of land can spark ecological transformation. Across urban and suburban neighborhoods, classroom-sized MicroForests are proving that no space is too small to restore. Once overlooked as “too small to matter,” these patches now cool streets, absorb stormwater, and provide habitat for pollinators and birds—bringing vibrant nature back into the very places where people live and work.

If you had to choose just three plants to add to your garden to provide maximum ecosystem benefit, I would recommend starting with these three natives…

While there are over 450 different pollinator species in New York, I thought it would be fun to get to know just a few of our pollinator friends and highlight some interesting characteristics.

Plan it Wild interviewed for an Examiner article along with fellow sustainability pros working to restore biodiversity in Westchester. “We’re helping not just to expand the biodiversity but also to reduce the carbon footprint, plant native and end the use of fossil fuels,” Bayley explains.

Happy Memorial Day! When you hang the flag of the red, white, and blue, remember to plant native, too. Native plants are a part of our country’s natural heritage. The quintessential quaking aspens of Yellowstone and the beeches and maples of the Adirondacks are 100% American-made and emblematic of the strong conservation ethic of this country.

A blurb from Amanda’s April 2022 River Journal article, “Earth Anthem - A Celebration of Earth Day”

April 22 is coming up; mark your calendar, everyone, it’s Earth Day.
It is a day to celebrate the Earth, thanking the planet for our existence, for its beauty and because it is literally grounding us, always there to support our every step.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone! May the luck of the Irish be with you.

And may the true green of nature be with you in your yard. Wait, what does that mean, true green?

February is when winter begins to fade ever so slightly. The shelves are stocked with Valentine’s Day cards and chocolates. Phil makes an appearance, and we all watch closely to see if the groundhog sees his shadow. Whatever the outcome, spring is not here yet; we just need to wait until March 20th.

But lo and behold, a few of our native spring ephemerals start appearing. A few magical flowers burst open as early as February, when the sun can reach them on the forest floor before the trees start leafing out.

HAPPY NEW YEAR PiW COMMUNITY! Your support and friendship made 2021 our most successful year yet! Here's a look back on some of the highlights!