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The goal of ecological literacy is to foster an understanding of nature’s systems and inspire communities to act responsibly and live sustainably together. 

Why leave leaves? Where do bees go in winter? What does milkweed look like and why does it matter? Cultivating an awareness of the symbiotic relationships between the landscape and its pollinators, or the jobs a landscape can do, is proven to model behaviors of curiosity and caring in all ages while research tells us that early childhood exposure to plants is invaluable for building future stewards of the natural world. 

Refugia supports Ecological Literacy Ambassadors through the donation of materials and labor to support matching funds. We also provide ongoing outreach and learning via interpretative signage, on-site stewardship training and seasonal consults for the long-term success of all projects.  

Landscapes that reduce inputs (think less mowing, irrigation, fertilizing, ornamentals/annuals) and maximize impact (sequester carbon, support diverse communities of pollinators, food web and ecosystems while managing the watershed) are climate resilient. These landscapes can be in ground, utilize containers, combine permeable hardscaping and/or provide important areas to gather or play.

By working together as part of a larger network or greenway. Size is less important than connectivity when measuring impact! Instead, ‘stepping stone’ habitats are essential to creating biological corridors of connectivity for wildlife and beneficial insects and connecting existing wildlands with each other. Underused spaces between buildings become ecologically mighty when we create connectivity between plants, people and purpose!