Cultivating Nature: Tanner Serpa’s First Year of Turning His Backyard into a Wildlife Sanctuary
In this video, Tanner Serpa shares his journey of transforming an ordinary backyard into a vibrant wildlife oasis over the course of a year. He walks viewers through the steps he took to create a habitat-friendly environment, from planting native species to designing water features that attract birds, insects, and other local fauna.
Tanner emphasizes the importance of working with nature rather than against it, showcasing how small, intentional changes in landscaping can lead to a flourishing ecosystem right outside your door.
Throughout the process, Tanner highlights both the challenges and rewards of ecological gardening. He candidly discusses issues like poor soil quality, invasive species, and the trial-and-error of plant selection. Despite these hurdles, the success stories—such as the return of pollinators, frequent bird visits, and noticeable biodiversity—serve as inspiration for others interested in rewilding their own spaces. The video doubles as an educational resource and a personal reflection on the value of creating backyard sanctuaries for wildlife.
Tanner’s observations highlight 3 takeaways
Start with Native Plants
Tanner emphasizes the crucial role of native plants in supporting local ecosystems. By choosing species that naturally belong in the region, he was able to attract native pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. Native plants require less maintenance, adapt better to the environment, and are foundational to creating a sustainable wildlife habitat.
Small Changes, Big Impact
One of Tanner’s main messages is that you don’t need a huge space or massive budget to make a difference. Simple additions like birdbaths, brush piles, or pollinator-friendly flowers can significantly increase biodiversity. Incremental improvements over time led to noticeable ecological benefits in his own yard.
Be Patient and Observe
Wildlife gardening is a long-term commitment that requires patience and observation. Tanner shares how some efforts took months to show visible results, and how observing nature’s response guided his next steps. Trial and error is part of the process, but watching the yard evolve into a living ecosystem is deeply rewarding.
