Why I Do This Work:
My Path to Encouraging Habitat Restoration

Greetings! I’m Ewa, your neighbourhood habitat coach.

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As a teenager, I was obsessed with chimps and mountain gorillas and dreamed of protecting their wild homes in African forests. That passion led me to study ecology and earn a Master’s degree from the University of Guelph.

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For the past 25 years, I’ve worked as an ecologist restoring prairies, forests, woodlands, and wetlands across Ontario and abroad for organizations like Wildlife Preservation Canada, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, Conservation Halton, Lower Trent Conservation and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Instead of gorillas, I’ve chased flying squirrels, protected rare parrots, and kissed lots of frogs. And what I’ve learned is that meaningful habitat restoration doesn’t just happen “out there” in nature reserves, it can also happen right at home.

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From small backyards to city parks to nature reserves, I’ve helped create oases for nature - spaces that serve as welcome refuges for both people and biodiversity. People often ask me which native plants can bring a yard to life. Over time, I’ve realized that what most people really need is a little guidance from someone more experienced to feel confident getting started.

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That’s why I created the Neighbourhood Habitat School digital courses and coaching that help people restore habitat right where they live. Everyone can create a mini wild oasis, and when we do it together, we can help nature heal.

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​Yours,

​Ewa Bednarczuk