Rewilding and Biodiversity with PLANitWILD’s Murray Fisher

Earlier this year, Plan It Wild’s Chief Naturalist, Murray Fisher, gave a presentation on biodiversity and rewilding at Cantitoe Corners in Bedford, NY. Hosted by Martha Stewart, the event brought together community members, conservationists, and land stewards to reflect on how individual choices on the land add up to ecological change.

Murray shared the story of how he and his partner Emily have gradually rewilded large portions of their property, shifting away from expansive lawns toward more diverse, life-supporting habitats. The transformation has been intentional: restoring woodlands by replacing aging trees with native species, reducing mowing to allow natural regeneration, and weaving in native shrubs and groundcovers. The result is not neglect, but balance—spaces where nature is invited back in, while still maintaining beauty and function.

The impact has been remarkable. More than 125 bird species now frequent the property, along with wild turkeys, hawks, coyotes, and countless insects. What was once a relatively conventional managed landscape has become a living mosaic, supporting wildlife and strengthening the health of the local ecosystem.

In his talk, Murray underscored a central truth: biodiversity is not an abstract global issue, but something each of us can influence on our own land. By reducing lawn, planting native species, and allowing ecological processes to unfold, we create resilient landscapes that are better prepared for the challenges of climate change and habitat loss.

The evening was both a celebration and a call to action. As Murray’s work demonstrates, rewilding is not about letting go completely, but about making space for life to return. Every tree planted, every patch of lawn converted, every bird that finds food or shelter in these spaces becomes part of a larger story—one where people and nature thrive together.

📖 Read more about Murray’s presentation on The Martha Blog.