Most of us were taught that “good land care” in autumn means tidying everything up before winter arrives. Rake up all the leaves. Cut back all the flower stalks. Make it look neat and clean.

But that approach has been causing harm for decades, Reader.

Many “unruly” plants (think goldenrod, haha) are essential for pollinators to fuel up before they hibernate for winter. Too often, we get rid of these essential sources of nourishment because they haven’t bloomed yet (earlier in the season) or they look too messy.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing practices that work with the season’s natural wisdom instead of against it.

At LadyBug EarthCare, we call this the Mindful CleanUp.

It’s a signature service (and our most popular offer) that we created specifically to protect pollinators, bird nests and wildlife habitat, all year round (so it works round the globe too).

Whether you’re tending a small balcony, suburban yard, or rural acres, these approaches can help support the wildlife that depends on our landscapes.

And we depend on that wildlife (especially pollinators) for our food, clean water and more. This is exactly why we need to slow down and learn more about ecology before acting.

So, let’s ease into autumn and honor the land together.

Don’t rush into cleanup mode. I got you.

A note for our global community: This year, I will focus this series on mindful cleanup actions that apply more universally to global bioregions, even though my experience, plant knowledge and materials are mostly focused on the MidAtlantic and NorthEastern bioregions of the US.

You will use the EarthCare Compass, observing and interacting with your landscape.

It is relevant ‘round the world. And the land will tell you when it’s time to act.

Your first assignment is below this box.

How do we use the EarthCare Compass? Learn about it in The EarthCare Journey. ​ This is my signature online program for nature lovers who want to make a difference for the planet without burning out or becoming part of the problem. This fall we are gathering LIVE to continue the Journey. 🍂 Fall Seasonal Wisdom Circle 📅 Thursday, October 1 from 2-4pm ET 📍 LIVE on Zoom ​ The grief many of us carry about our changing world can actually guide us toward better choices in our own landscapes. Every small act in partnership with seasonal rhythms becomes a form of resistance against a culture that prioritizes appearance over ecological function. The theme of this season’s LIVE Wisdom Circle is ACTION. Together, we will define what action truly makes sense for you, your capacity, and your Place/bioregion. ​Join The EarthCare Journey for 50% off using code ECJ50 You’ll get: 2 LIVE Wisdom Circles (Fall + Winter) 2 Replays of the previous Wisdom Circles (Spring + Summer) 2 Part Workshop: Plan Your EarthCare Journey – Find your North Star, take inventory of your desires, limitations, and capacity and plan for the seasons ahead Feedback on your EarthCare Plan if submitted before November 15, 2026 EarthCare Town Square – a private chat space to connect with other members and share your Place One Year Access to The EarthCare Library – all the resources, guides, and seasonal wisdom I’ve gathered over a decade of ecological practice including our 21 page Mindful CleanUp Guide

Your first practice in the Mindful CleanUp challenge is simple:

A Land Walk is a practice we recommend at least once a season, where you actively walk your entire property, neighborhood, or parts of your watershed to see what’s present in the landscape.

This is perfect for the transition of the equinox, as those are the most dynamic times to notice what is changing, how wildlife is moving, and to get ready for the season ahead.

I have a 5-part mini course on Land Walking in The EarthCare Journey included in the library.

When I offer land walks during virtual and in-person consulting services, my process involves

• Noticing special plants and areas of concern or interest
• Identifying whether plants are native, edible, poisonous
• Observing sunlight patterns, soil conditions, water flows, moisture presence
• Looking for signs of wildlife and habitat that might already exist
• Listening to the land, its wants, needs, limits, and provisions

If this is your first time practicing land walking, keep it simple.

Take a close look at your landscape and clean up any non-organic debris that may have floated its way in. Picking up trash is an act of care and service that truly makes a difference.

If you want to see more wildlife in your area, this is a way to help them be safer and more likely to wander through your Place. The more natural and healthy it is, the more life there will be!

If your landscape is litter-free, find an area nearby that needs some love like your neighborhood, or local park. This is part of your Place too.

Practice observing and connecting while cleaning up any trash you see.

And always feel free to hit reply and let me know how it goes!

For wildlife and a wilder life,

Kendra

Ps. The Land Walking Mini Course has a lot more advice on how to make the most of this practice. This 5-part video course is included in The EarthCare Journey library as well.

Pps. Tyler and I also have a FREE live discussion this evening (Weds 7p ET) on the book Human Being, to reclaim 12 skills we’re losing to technology. We would love to see you!

Written by humans, never AI.

​​“For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and I am free”

– Wendell Berry, The Peace of Wild Things