Wilder by Design: Hacks for Habitat Part 1

Wilder by Design: Hacks for Habitat - Session 1

February 18, 2026, from 6:30-8:00 PM CT - ZOOM

Session One: Prepare. Hacks to invite more wildlife

Offered at a prime time for garden planning, this presentation by Master Naturalist Anna Graether explores the radical impacts of native gardening vs. traditional lawn management, its role in revitalizing local ecosystems, and practical steps to incorporate it into your own outdoor space.

From planting to thriving — design your space for wildlife, community, and resilience

Want to see more bees, birds, butterflies, and fireflies in your yard? Curious how your landscape could play a meaningful role in restoring biodiversity?

Wilder by Design: Hacks for Habitat is a four-part virtual series that offers hopeful, practical guidance for creating wildlife-friendly habitat right where you live. Geared toward those interested in gardening with native plants, this series focuses on simple, high-impact “habitat hacks” that help people move from overwhelm to empowered action.

While examples center on typical urban and suburban-sized lots, the principles shared apply to any size landscape—from small yards to shared green spaces and beyond.

Across four sessions, you’ll learn how to prepare, plan, plant, and maintain a native landscape that supports pollinators, birds, beneficial insects, and the larger ecosystem—while also fostering connection, beauty, and resilience.

Session One: Prepare — Hacks to Invite More Wildlife

February 18
Learn how to assess your existing landscape and identify what’s helping—or hindering—wildlife. We’ll explore common barriers to habitat (such as invasive plants and light pollution) and straightforward steps you can take to make your space safer and more supportive of insects and birds.

Presenter

Anna Graether is a Johnson County Extension Master Naturalist, Board Member of The Resilient Activist, and Nature Advisor with Deep Roots KC. Anna brings a grounded, encouraging approach to habitat gardening that emphasizes progress over perfection and connection over overwhelm.

Registration Details

• Register for each session separately

• All sessions run 6:30–8:00 PM CST via Zoom

• Sessions will be recorded and shared with registrants

• A $10 donation per session is suggested

Presented by gardening aficionado and Extension Master Naturalist Anna Graether, this presentation offers the opportunity to ask Anna your personal questions about native gardening to better guide you on this exciting journey. 

Anna has successfully created, planted, and maintained many native gardens over the years – check out one of her garden plans laid out in this blog post.

• Sign up for Session Two

• Sign up for Session Three

• Sign up for Session Four

Come prepared to ask questions, take notes, and in general, fill your cup with native gardening inspiration! ✨