Home & Habitat Journal is a space for rewilding home and heart—rooted in native plants, cozy living, and the belief that even the tiniest patch of earth can make a big difference for nature.
Hello, I’m Tracey—a birdwatching, plant-loving, thrift-hunting homebody living in Edmonton, Alberta, where nature weaves through my everyday life.
Whether you’re new to native plants and backyard birding or already digging in deep, this blog is your companion—here to inspire, guide, and encourage you to create something meaningful, right where you are.
I didn’t always know bird names or how to tell native plants from non-native, but with time and patience, I’ve gradually found my way to a gentler, more grounded way of living.
My path to rewilding and slow living was already unfolding when I was unexpectedly laid off from a busy tech career. This unexpected change pushed me further into embracing a more intentional way of being that honours both my introverted nature and the rhythms of the natural world. This journey led me to build a slower, nature-rooted life right outside my back door, where even small wild moments feel deeply meaningful.
I’m rewilding my small city yard into a thriving wildlife habitat—where Alberta native plants bloom, birds gather, the buzz of pollinators fills the air, and a once-conventional lawn begins to tell a wilder, more intentional story. Here, nature finds a home within the city’s restless hum. It’s a quiet rebellion against sterile landscapes, a return to something wilder, more harmonious, resilient, and deeply alive.
Indoors, our home evolves slowly—layered with nature-inspired details and secondhand treasures that mirror the wild magic outside. It’s a lived-in, warm reflection of a life rooted in intention and connection to nature.
While I love autumn, my favourite season here is spring, when the first native wildflowers start to bloom, ferns peek through the soil, and the crisp air fills with the hopeful songs of returning birds. I cherish my slow morning ritual—looking out into the backyard to spot new arrivals like the White-throated Sparrow. This little bird feels like a familiar companion, reminding me of childhood mornings at home, camping trips, and quiet days at my Mémère and Pépère’s cabin. Its song is a comforting thread that ties together memories and the present moment, nature and home.
This ongoing transformation unfolds here, where slow moments, meaningful projects, and seasonal shifts tell the deeper story of home and habitat.
Built With Purpose
Home & Habitat Journal is more than a blog—it’s where my journey toward a wilder, more intentional life takes shape in real time. It’s a space rooted in curiosity, care, and the belief that even the smallest patch of earth can hold big potential.
This journal isn’t just a record of my transformation—it’s a companion for yours. Each idea shared here has be lived, tested, and grown in an ordinary yard, with all its imperfections and surprises.
Whether you’re planting native species, watching the birds return each spring, or simply craving a deeper connection to the world just outside your door, this space is here to guide and grow with you.
This is for dreamers, doers, and anyone longing to bring nature home—one mindful step at a time.
Here’s What You’ll Find
Home & Habitat Journal blends inspiration, tips, and personal reflections to help you create a space where beauty and biodiversity thrive. Whether you’re rewilding your yard, birdwatching, or embracing slow, intentional lving—you’re in the right place.
Topics include:
- Native Plants & Rewilding: Transform your yard with native plants and nature-based design.
- Birdwatching & Photography: Seasonal sightings and beginner-friendly photo tips.
- DIY Habitat Projects: Build pollinator gardens, wildlife ponds, and more.
- Slow Living & Cozy Home: Simple rituals, thrifted finds, and natural touches.
- Personal Reflections: Honest stories on cultivating a wilder, more connected live.
This is more than a journal—it’s an invitation to notice, to tend, and to welcome nature home.
The Importance of Bringing Nature Home
Urban and suburban spaces don’t have to just be fences and lawns—any yard, big or small, can become a thriving habitat that welcomes wildlife and encourages us to slow down and live with purpose.
Writing from Edmonton, Alberta, Zone 4a, but with tough winters), I know gardening here requires patience and grit. Creating wildlife-friendly spaces in this climate is challenging but deeply rewarding.
Native plants matter because they’re adapted to our environment, support local birds and pollinators, and shift gardens from decoration to restoration—building resilience and connection to the land.
Rewildling is more than a trend; it’s a mindset shift—planting for survival, diversity, and ecosystem balance. It’s about stewardship, trusting that beauty follows when we care deeply.
Each season brings its own challenges and joys, a rhythm I’ve grown to cherish in my yard and home.
Let’s Connect
Whether you’re here to rewild your own yard, learn about native plants, spot backyard birds, or enjoy cozy, wild beauty—welcome to Home & Habitat Journal. Explore stories, bird lists, and ideas to inspire your own little patch of earth.
I’d love to hear your backyard stories, questions, or tips—leave a comment or send me an email. This community grows best when we grow it together.
Follow along on social media for bird sightings, seasonal moments, and cozy updates. Subscribe to the newsletter for ongoing inspiration and updates.
Let’s nurture this space together—one story, one seed, and one small moment at a time.
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If you enjoy what I share and want to support my ongoing journey to rewild, write, and document this little patch of land, you can do so through my Ko-fi page. Every bit helps me continue photographing, nurturing, and sharing this space with you. Your support truly makes a difference.
If you would love to work together or collaborate on something special, please visit my Work With Me page to learn more about how we can connect.