Create a thriving backyard ecosystem you can enjoy and be proud of.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We can help.
Because nature isn’t just “out there.” It’s all around us, including right outside our doors.
Join us as we ignite our curiosity and natural wonder, explore our yards and communities, and improve our local pollinator and wildlife habitat.
Welcome to Backyard Ecology™
We created Backyard Ecology™ to help you confidently create pollinator and wildlife habitat that you can enjoy and be proud of.
Our focus on the eastern U.S. means that the information we share is applicable to you and where you live.
Finding your unique path…
We recognize there are no cookie-cutter or one-size-fits-all answers. The “right” answer is different for everyone and can change over time.
- Maybe you’re just getting started, or just thinking about getting started, and aren’t quite sure where to start.
- Maybe you’re in the information gathering stage and are looking for lots of free resources to learn from.
- Maybe you’ve been doing this for a while but are feeling stuck and overwhelmed – not sure what you should do next.
- Maybe you’re more of a “figure it out on your own” type of person.
- Maybe you’re looking for more customized support and guidance – a friend to help you overcome challenges and celebrate successes.
- Maybe you’re some combination of these statements or somewhere in between them.
Wherever you’re at on your ecological journey, we want to meet you there and continue to support you as your needs change. That’s why we offer such a wide variety of content that includes everything from free resources to in-depth, customized, on-going support.
Not sure where to start or what to do next? Take this short quiz and we’ll help you discover where you’re at on your journey and suggest some easy “next steps” to help you move forward.
We look forward to helping you…
🦋 have fun learning about the plants, pollinators, and wildlife that can be found in your yard and community.
🦋 transform your yard from a pollinator no fly zone and ecological desert to a miniature ecosystem brimming with pollinators and wildlife!
🦋 get expert habitat creation and management advice that is tailored for your unique goals and situation.
🦋 become a good steward of your land.
This is the answer that I’ve been looking for!
For a year I have been trying to figure out a way to create a wetland habitat on my 3/4 acre (woods adjacent property) in Louisville and just couldn’t get my mind out of pond mode.
When I heard no pumps, no cascading water feature, no stone border, etc., the sky opened up.
And when I heard no mosquitos, and low maintenance I was sold.
~ Tim
Backyard Ecology has taught me so much about not only native plants but also the benefits of creating an ecological landscape.
I like that the content is down to earth and is not too scientific.
It also understands that some people are just starting out and encourages them.
~ Becky
Thank you guys for all of the wonderful content and advice that you guys “assemble” and share!
I can only imagine that it involves a tremendous amount of work to create such content, and you guys are heroes in my humble book!
I have learned so much from your great videos and newsletter! (please count me as a huge fan!)
~ Travis
Meet the Backyard Ecology™ team
Shannon Trimboli
Founder, Co-host
Anthony Trimboli
Co-host
We are Shannon and Anthony Trimboli. We live in southcentral Kentucky and are life-long nature lovers. Shannon has an M.S. in Ecology and a B.S. in Wildlife Biology. Anthony has an M.S. in Agriculture and a B.S. in Wildlife Biology.
We are passionate about sharing our love of nature with others. We enjoy inspiring people to form their own connections with nature and then take action to create their own thriving ecosystems on their property.
In addition to hosting Backyard Ecology™, we operate a small native plant nursery and habitat consulting business for pollinators and wildlife. Shannon has also written multiple books and we both give presentations and keynotes focused on the topics we cover through Backyard Ecology™.
Like you, we are also actively working on and managing our property to attract pollinators and wildlife. So, we understand all the excitement, challenges, frustrations, and celebrations that come with trying to create functioning ecosystems on your property because we’re experiencing the same things.
Backyard Ecology™’s Guiding Principles:
🦋 Curiosity: Nature is fun, interesting, and worth exploring. We will never know everything. Answers lead to more questions. That’s half the fun.
🦋 Balanced: You don’t have to choose. You can support nature AND have a beautiful property that you can enjoy and be proud of.
🦋 Science informed: Habitat creation and management should be based on the latest scientific research available. This is true regardless of whether you’re working in a small garden or on hundreds of acres.
🦋 Stewardship: Anyone can make a positive difference in the natural world and leave an ecological legacy on their property.
I enjoy learning more about ecosystems, gardening, and plants from experts, who can offer insights into “why” and “how” things work, instead of just saying “It works, do it.”
~ Alex
I am so glad to see you all on YouTube, growing your channel and media footprint.
I am so glad to know that I was there way back when you were putting out such awesome content before many knew about you.
I love your body of work and look forward to more great content as you expand and grow.
~ John
The material goes beyond the normal gardening for natives tips that get regurgitated everywhere.
Your work ties back to ecological health and that is what is important, not just having pretty flowers that save butterflies.
~ Anonymous
Thank you!
These amazing individuals go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
Megan Amaral, Julie Krygier, Lizabeth, Russel Furnari, Crystal Robinson, Karen Veleta, Linda Relson, Kevin B, Sally Mirick, Crystal Dyamonds, Mitchell Bell, Laura Hunt, Sue Ann Barnes, Adrienne Richardson, J. Adam Perkey, Ariel, Cara Flinn, David Todd, LaVonne Fitts, Cathy, Michael, Tom Winner, Eric Fleming, Julie, SB H, Christopher Scully, Craig, Rachel Antonucci, Melissa Egbertson, Amanda Serenevy, Switzy, CotswoldsCottageMA, Vilma Fabre, Pia O Nomata, Tyler, Linda McNees, HerculesBiggerCousin, and Patrick Dwyer.