What does it really mean to restore the land, and where do you even begin when faced with the complexity of ecological repair?

In episode 181 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I’m joined by Paula Whyman, author of Bad Naturalist, to explore what happens when one person takes on the challenge of rewilding a landscape and the lessons learned along the way. 

She is also the author of the award-winning short story collection You May See a Stranger. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The American Scholar, and more. 

In her new book and this conversation, Paula shares the real-world realities of restoring damaged ecosystems — complete with unexpected surprises, setbacks, and personal growth.

But this isn’t just a story about managing hundreds of acres. It’s about recognizing that anyone can reconnect with nature and make a difference, no matter where they live. Whether it’s a backyard garden, a city balcony, or a patch of lawn, restoration and rewilding can begin wherever you are.

And I think this conversation lands at just the right time. 

In a world where we’re constantly bombarded by bad news, it’s easy to feel powerless, when my anxiety spikes, my therapist likes to remind me to focus on what I can control. 

Paula’s story is a reminder of that, too — of the simple, tangible things we can tend to our own lives and communities. It’s a hopeful, inspiring conversation to carry with you into spring and summer as we all look for ways to reconnect with the natural world and spark a little joy close to home.

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Paula Whyman

Bad Naturalist: https://paulawhyman.com/bad-naturalist/

Website: https://paulawhyman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulawhymanauthor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-whyman-62a9956/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/paulawhyman.bsky.social