The Problem
Winter is hard — especially for the small, winged, and wild ones who share our backyards. When the weather turns cold, birds lose their food sources, insects lose their shelter, and many animals struggle to survive in landscapes humans have “cleaned up.” 🌿The problem we want to fix is winter disconnection — when people forget that animals depend on the small choices we make outside our doors. 🌿Leaf piles, seed feeders, and brush corners aren’t messes — they’re lifelines. 🌿By teaching families to see backyards, balconies, and parks as shared habitats, we help rebuild empathy, one creature at a time.
Our Plan
For one month, families will take small actions to support wildlife through winter. Each participant will: 🌿Feed the birds by hanging or making simple bird feeders (pinecone + peanut butter + seed works great!). 🌿Build safe spaces by leaving small brush piles or boxes for chipmunks, squirrels, or stray cats to shelter in. 🌿Leave the leaves — resist over-cleaning the yard so insects, toads, and pollinators can safely overwinter. 🌿Observe the animals that visit and record what they notice (species, tracks, behaviors, sounds). 🌿Optional add-ons: 🌿Decorate feeders or boxes with natural materials. 🌿Share photos or journal pages to inspire others. 🌿Research local species that need extra help during winter. 🌿The goal is simple: notice, nourish, and nurture — turning backyards into mini sanctuaries. 🌿 Why It Matters Because mindfulness isn’t just about people — it’s about the world we belong to. Because every creature plays a role in Earth’s rhythm. Because kindness that starts at home can ripple all the way to the forest. A handful of seeds, a small pile of leaves, or a shelter box might seem tiny — but to the animals out there, it’s everything.
