I am here to help you improve the ecological resiliency and biodiversity on your property. I see every acre and every parcel as an ecosystem, and I am here to help you nurture that system to support functional food webs and a vibrant ecological community.
Throughout our time working on your property, I invite you to ask questions or work alongside me so that you deepen your own relationship with the land you call home. At the end of the day, I not only want to enhance the ecological community on your property, but I also want you to feel proud to be an active member of it.
How I Work
Because every ecosystem is unique, I tailor my approach for every property I work on. I recognize that stability is rooted in balance, so it is important to me that I begin by identifying your intended uses, aesthetic preferences, and tolerance for wildness. From there, I will work with you to determine the scale and scope of habitat to introduce or enhance on your property. Depending on the project, my role may be more conceptual (providing information or developing plans) or more hands-on (planting and stewardship). See my services page for more information.
Who I Am
Wakerobin Ecological is a one-woman small business run by me, Robin Eng: an ecologist, gardener, amateur potter, human being, and aspirational philosopher.
From a young age, nature has been my passion. It is a force of intrigue and power that I have always felt deeply inspired by and protective of. This passion has carried through my adult life, guiding my major life decisions, and leading me to know incredible places and people. For the past 14 years, I have been pursuing a career that would allow me to connect with and advocate for the natural world. Wakerobin Ecological is the culmination of my experiences, knowledge, and hopes for the future.
Academically, I hold degrees in Ecology & Evolution (BS), Philosophy (BA), and Wildlife Biology (MS). I got my start in forest and community ecology in the North American eastern deciduous forests, studied carnivores in the California Sierra Nevadas, and eastern spotted skunks in the South Carolina Appalachians. I have worked on urban ecological restoration and native gardens in Pittsburgh, and supported the management of ecological diversity across the State Forest system of Pennsylvania.
Since landing a “restoration gardener” job after graduate school, I have not been able to shake the potential for enhanced ecological function in the human-dominated landscape around which we spend most of our time.
Having seen first-hand the response of nature to the introduction of native species and habitat features, I have come to embrace the reality that nature is not other to humanity, but rather encompassing of it. In recent years, I have been inspired and bolstered by the wisdom of indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge. I hope to share my knowledge and outlook with others so that we might together move forward as beneficial members of the ecological community.
Why Care
I am a firm believer that human health and ecological health are inseparable. While space travel and artificial intelligence are incredible feats of human ingenuity, we still rely on trees to generate oxygen, groundwater to stay hydrated, and plants to provide sustenance. Ecological landscaping and embracing your role in the ecological community is a way to pay it forward for the future.
Let's get to know your land
Whether you are dreaming of a native garden or just curious what already lives on your property, I would love to hear from you.
Contact Me