ReWILD
Fayette County
FYI
Greener cities generate more GDP
1 acre of naturalized land can sequester between 1 to 3 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually
Kentucky is home to over 19,000 native plant and animal species, including 102 indigenous species found nowhere else on earth
Of the 350 documented bird species here, 150 breed in-state
REWILD FAYETTE COUNTY is an informational website. In accessing our pages, you are never expected to relay your personal data. If anyone reaches out to you impersonating an administrator from this site, we encourage you to contact local law enforcement.
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Butterfly Host Plants
City Dwellers
Rabbit-Friendly plants
Companion Planting
Microclimates
Kentucky Native Plants
Vocabulary
Naturalization - what is it?
A progressive rewilding strategy aimed at restoring an organic ecosystem along with its native plant species, reviving natural food webs in the process.
This often entails planning; ultimately, even the most complex micro-climates require little to no upkeep as they are intended to be self-sustaining.
LET’S FEED SOME INDIGENOUS WILDLIFE!!!!
Naturalization - who does it serve?
+Native insects which attract indigenous birdlife. Avian rely on insects as their primary food source.
+Foragers like rabbits and chipmunks two rodents whose droppings are filled with vital macronutrients essential for healthy plant and grass growth.
Fun fact: Bunny poop is one of the most stable, comprehensive organic fertilizers, better than chicken droppings which can “burn” plants due to ammonia levels
Have a patio, deck, porch stoop, or any reasonably sized outdoor space?
Naturalizing is still possible! When working with potted host plants, create a shady nook nestled at the rear or side of your focal. Bronze sage and Rue are a butterfly favorite. Pineapple sage will attract hummingbird friends.
Fertilize 3-5 times Spring to Fall to encourage growth.
+What is a host plant? A plant meant to sustain the feeding cycles and procreation of a specific species.
Ideal butterfly host plants: Milkweed, Joe Pye Plant, Butterfly Bush
Native Kentucky pollinator- and forager-friendly plants...
Lupine - flowers late-Spring to early-Summer
Penstemon - flowers Spring
Honeysuckle - flowers late-Spring to Mid-Summer
Bee Balm - flowers Summer
Wild Columbine - flowers Spring to early-Summer
Phlox - flowers Spring to Fall
Geum - flowers Spring to Summer
Mallow - flowers Spring to Summer - a favorite of rabbits
Hollyhock - flowers Spring - another bunny snack
Pear, Apple, and Redbud Trees - flowers Spring
Birds use flowers as visual cues in determining palatability. White and murky shades of green or brown are colors avian will avoid.
Dill makes for a great companion plant, its taproot drawing up nutrients from the depths of your yard. This can add to the lifespan of shallow-rooted annuals like Cosmos.
Dealing with potential setbacks...pre-naturalization
County intervention
Neighbor opposition
HOA regulation
1. Contact your local county prior to any pre-planning efforts and confirm you are, in fact, listed as a household participating in naturalization efforts. In Kentucky’s Fayette County, individuals interested in rewilding are sometimes asked to submit plans for pre-approval.
2. Expect mixed responses. Not everyone's going to applaud you.
3. If you do happen to be a homeowner at the mercy of an HOA, closely review the bylaws of your community. Even if in the clear, attempt to make contact with your on-site property manager. Again, be prepared to submit plans. Unless your governing bylaws clearly state you are prohibited from naturalizing, you can and should pursue legal action against your community board should they opt to impede progress.
Dealing with potential setbacks...post-naturalization
Inordinate weather conditions (e.g. heavy rainfall followed by scorchingly hot temps)
Premature dormancy in plants
Predators attacking native wildlife
1. Inclimate weather that defies expectations can throw your plan for a loop. Likely, Spring plants will reach dormancy sooner than expected. Without question, your first year should be punctuated by fairly consistent waterings, which encourage plants to fully establish. Don't hesitate to prune plantlife to its base when dormancy approaches. Fertilize and expect perennials to be back next year.
2. Prematurely dormant plants can be a bummer. Compost and fertilize. Grass clippings can make a world of a difference here. Continue watering on dry days. In the case of perennials, they'll return next Spring.
3. When dealing with a feral cat or stray dog, you'll want to simply call animal control. Feral cats account for more than 1 billion bird deaths every year in the U.S.