About Me

I’m a Penn State graduate, certified Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, and Penn State Extension Master Gardener with more than five years and over 1,000 hours of hands-on conservation experience in southeastern Pennsylvania.

I regularly volunteer with Natural Lands as a trail steward and crew leader as part of a dedicated stewardship team. Together we restore degraded woodlands, manage invasive species, and support long-term habitat health at preserves such as Sadsbury Woods and ChesLen.

Through this work I’ve developed a deep understanding of how native plant communities function over time. I lead spring wildflower walks, track seasonal bloom timing and plant life cycles, and have contributed to documenting the flora at Sadsbury Woods, where more than 300 native plant species have been recorded through ongoing observation and stewardship work.

At home, I apply the same approach by testing well over 100 native plant species in my own landscape to understand what truly thrives long-term.

Backyard Ecoscape brings this field experience, ecological knowledge, and real-world testing into residential landscapes — creating native-focused gardens that are resilient, intentional, and deeply connected to place.

Why Native Plants?

Our Approach to Plants

Plants are selected with intention, not convenience. Backyard Ecoscape works with trusted local native plant nurseries and also grows select species in-house to offer a broader and more diverse selection of native plants — including lesser-known species often overlooked in the trade.

This approach prioritizes ecological function and wildlife habitat, resulting in healthier plants and landscapes designed to flourish well beyond installation day.

A Hands-On, Small-Scale Approach

Backyard Ecoscape is an owner-operated practice. I work directly with each client and remain hands-on throughout each project — from planning to planting and ongoing care.

This approach allows me to focus on small- to mid-scale residential landscapes where attention, care, and ecological decision-making matter most.

Projects are typically residential in scale and tailored to what can be thoughtfully installed and cared for long-term.

Thoughtful Plant Sourcing

Backyard Ecoscape prioritizes regionally suited native plants grown from high-quality, responsibly sourced seed.

Many plants are started from seed in-house using material from reputable native seed suppliers such as Prairie Moon Nursery. Additional locally sourced or homegrown plant material is incorporated when it best supports site conditions and project goals.

Every plant is chosen deliberately to support plant health, seasonal timing, and a sustainable landscape for many years to come.

The goal is simple: landscapes that support pollinators, birds, and local ecosystems while remaining beautiful and manageable for homeowners.

Volunteer restoration planting at Natural Lands’ Sadsbury Woods Preserve