Hello ,

This summer marks a turning point. With our first Incubator Grant-supported program officially launched and Catalyst Grant-funded projects demonstrating bold, replicable models—like Bexley’s neighborhood-scale habitat triangle—we are moving from vision to proof of concept.

Reflecting this evolution, we’re officially rebranding the Microhabitat Program Incubator as the Microhabitat Accelerator. The new name better captures our broader mission: not just to spark new programs, but to accelerate a movement through strategy, collaboration, and shared learning.

We’re also happy to introduce Tom’s Corner, a new feature where Tom highlights research and ideas that could influence our work. This month’s pick and the other research selections explore how urban rewilding benefits both biodiversity and human well-being—reminding us, like the Bexley Habitat Triangle, that restoring nature in everyday spaces can strengthen ecosystems and human communities.

Warmly,

Tom & Tripti

INCUBATOR GRANT SPOTLIGHT

Welcoming Our First Incubator Graduate!

Earlier this year, we launched our pilot Incubator Grant to jumpstart new microhabitat programs. The grant involves a two-phase process grounded in strategy, ecological need, equity, and metrics. We’re thrilled to announce that the People’s Forest Foundation of Louisiana has officially crossed the threshold—becoming our first Incubator-launched program and the newest member of our Practitioners Circle. Please join us in warmly welcoming them into our growing community of practice! And let more organizations know about the Incubator Grant opportunity. It is open through November 28, 2025 or until funds are fully allocated.

CATALYST GRANT SPOTLIGHT

Neighborhood-Scale Stewardship: Bexley’s Bold Habitat Triangle

Backed by a 2024 Catalyst Grant from the Microhabitat Accelerator, Green Bexley is transforming 30 abutting backyards into a unified habitat triangle—pioneering a neighborhood-scale approach to microhabitat creation. By concentrating habitat in one connected area, the project amplifies the impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services, while also cultivating a strong sense of community and a shared culture of stewardship. In a recent presentation to the Microhabitat Accelerator’s Practitioners Circle, project leads reflected on a year of breakthroughs—and offered a glimpse of what’s possible when neighbors come together to reimagine their landscape.

Note: Catalyst Grants are currently only available to members of our Practitioners Circle.

TOM’S CORNER: RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Beyond pollinators: the benefits of urban rewilding

About two thirds of microhabitat programs in cities focus on reintroducing native plant species, with the assumption that some fauna, such as pollinators, may benefit. Finnerty et al (2025) show that there is untapped potential to benefit biodiversity by more deliberately rewilding cities for other animal species. In their global study, the authors also show that urban rewilding can reconnect people with nature, foster community engagement and enhance cultural connections. Also, not all urban rewilding requires revegetated spaces (think of Peregrine falcons nesting on high rises or bats roosting under bridges), thus broadening the portfolio of microhabitat strategies.

Added diversity of native wildlife not only means added ecosystem services - for example, think of falcons preying on abundant nonnative bird species in the cities, or bats feeding on myriad insects. Moreover, as Finnerty et al point out, cities can harbor a surprising range of biodiversity, sometimes including rare species. And, of course, many people are drawn to nature by their encounters with native wildlife as well as, or more than, native vegetation 

HEALTH

How often do you need to be in nature for it to be beneficial?

Spending just two hours in nature per week can significantly boost physical and mental well-being—improving sleep, reducing stress, and even enhancing creativity and resilience. While immersive outdoor experiences offer the strongest effects, even viewing nature from a window can provide benefits, especially for those with limited mobility. Experts emphasize that urban green spaces and tailored access to nature are especially vital for improving health in underserved communities.

HEALTH

Increasing urban vegetation could have saved over 1.1m lives in two decades

A 20-year global study led by Professor Yuming Guo found that increasing urban vegetation by 30% could have prevented over 1.16 million heat-related deaths from 2000 to 2019 by cooling cities and reducing temperature-related health risks. The study, based on data from more than 11,000 urban areas, highlights the significant public health benefits of urban greening, especially in regions like Southern Asia, Eastern Europe, and Eastern Asia.

POLICY & ADVOCACY

How fixing roadside curbs can help reptiles and amphibians survive

Vertical roadside curbs pose a hidden but deadly threat to reptiles and amphibians, especially during seasonal migrations across roads that fragment their habitats. These barriers trap small animals, increase road mortality, and funnel them into catch basins—yet simple design changes like sloped curbs or curb gaps can significantly reduce harm. As urban development expands into sensitive ecosystems, integrating wildlife-friendly infrastructure offers a low-cost, impactful way to support biodiversity and make human-altered landscapes more navigable for vulnerable species.

What is the “Microhabitat Accelerator”?

The Microhabitat Accelerator aims to increase both the number and Impact of microhabitat programs—advancing a growing movement to restore ecosystem function across fragmented landscapes. Microhabitat programs are locally-driven, community-scale efforts that bring nature back to everyday spaces, benefiting people, biodiversity, or both. These programs take many forms, from neighborhood backyard habitat initiatives to urban bioswales, pollinator patches on farmland and more.

Looking for previous issues of our newsletter?

Whether you are new to our newsletter, or just missed our last update in your inbox, you can now catch up on all the back issues.

Interested in supporting our work?

Donate today. Your support allows us to provide pro bono services to community-based nonprofits to help them create and share community-scale climate adaptation strategies—such as microhabitat programs. 

Please share this newsletter with anyone who might be interested.
Have thoughts, ideas or feedback for us? Get in touch at info@villageandwilderness.org

Did someone forward this to you? Sign up for future newsletters here.

See web version here.

We help community-based organizations invent, share and grow replicable, climate adaptation solutions. Our flagship project is the The Microhabitat Accelerator℠