Plan it Wild in the News

Lawns may be America’s most widespread crop, but they give little back to the ecosystems we depend on. As Ken Ilgunas notes in his New York Times piece, there’s another path—one where we let clover bloom, wildflowers spread, and yards come alive with birds and pollinators. Sometimes, doing less is exactly what both nature and people need.

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.

We’re thrilled to share that Plan It Wild was featured on NBC’s TODAY Show in a segment on rewilding lawns. The story highlighted how simple steps like mowing less and planting native species can bring yards back to life, and it gave us the chance to share our mission with a national audience.

Plan It Wild was recently featured on ABC News in a story about homeowners rewilding their yards with native plants. The piece showed how more people are moving beyond turf lawns and creating spaces filled with pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, a sign that rewilding is becoming a national movement.

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.

By transitioning away from traditional lawns and allowing our outdoor spaces to rewild, we can promote biodiversity conservation, water conservation, carbon sequestration, and lower maintenance costs. Rewilding not only creates habitats for various species but also helps mitigate flooding risks and contributes to the fight against climate change.

Discover the advantages of native plugs in landscaping - from rapid growth and easy installation to cost savings and environmental conservation. Embrace the power of native plants and make a positive impact on your garden and the environment. Find out why native plugs are the superior choice for your landscaping projects.

Exciting news! Plan it Wild is proud to announce our partnership with Aspetuck Land Trust (ALT) in a groundbreaking initiative to create densely planted micro-forests across seven public school sites in Bridgeport.

Explore the ecological significance of poison ivy in Westchester County, New York. Despite its notorious reputation for causing discomfort and irritation, poison ivy plays a vital role in the local ecosystem. From being a crucial food source for birds to attracting insect pollinators, this native plant contributes to the biodiversity and balance of the region. Learn how to identify poison ivy and differentiate it from similar plants to coexist with this misunderstood species without falling victim to its effects. Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of this native plant in our natural surroundings.

Hudson Valley native plants are well-adapted to the local weather patterns, rainfall levels, and live in symbiosis with the many insects and birds.

Through our ecological mission to bring back habitat in the American yard, Plan it Wild has focused on tree planting in Westchester County yards and beyond.

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.

With all this beautiful nature out there and with summertime approaching, it’s time to get outside and explore!