Ways to Start Rewilding Your Yard

Start small. Let a corner of your background do its own thing, managing for balance with a string trimmer. Watch out for invasives and get rid of them as much as possible.

Don’t use artificial pesticides. (Some herbicides may be beneficial.) Learn to tolerate a certain amount of our fellow being insects, and not just the pretty ones. As they say, “if something isn't eating your plants, your garden isn't part of the ecosystem" (This quote is a bit extreme, but you get the idea.)

Learn to recognize tree seedlings. If you have an open lawn space with tree seedlings coming up, mow around them. Free trees!

If you have no greenspace, such as apartment living, grow plants in your home, or take part in a community garden. You can grow native plants in the garden, or even let part of your space decide for itself what comes up.

Use native plants. They will be more suited to your environment and all the associated wildlife. In Texas, that means drought tolerant, and a lot less watering.

Go for low hanging fruit. Sunflowers are a good beginner plant. If they don't come on their own, plant some, preferably a species native to your area. Sunflowers have a broad natural appeal, for pollinators like bees and butterflies and for small birds that eat the seeds.

Let me know of other ways to rewild in the comments. What has worked for you?