Wildshape Ecological Design
Improve your land and see the difference fast!
Modern landscaping practices are costly, damaging to both people and the environment, and result in sterile, lifeless properties that disconnect us from our natural heritage.
At Wildshape, we know that working with native plants provides immense value for landowners and allows life to safely thrive without risk to homes and structures!
We will work with your budget!
Invasive Removal
Invasive species are common and prolific on Midwest landscapes, we can remove them via mechanical and chemical methods depending on needs
Native Planting and Design
Aesthetic plantings of plugs and seeds create landscapes that resist invasion, bring back life, and reduce maintenance needs! Plantings can range from stormwater street gardens, and planter beds to backyards and city parks
Long-term Maintenance
Native landscapes require minimal maintenance but mowing, burning, and selective weed removal can be valuable tools to keep an ecosystem healthy while invasive seed banks are depleted
Education Programs
Engaging lectures and workshops are a great way to foster community engagement in native landscapes. Half-hour to hour long workshops can range from a talk to hands-on native planting work
About Wes Bollinger
I have nearly a decade of experience in ecological restoration, gardening and landscape design principles in Midwest and Gulf South ecosystems. With a M.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, I've researched best practices for native seeding and restoration on some of our most heavily disturbed landscapes. I can make an attractive mix of seeds and plugs that can withstand even the harshest landscapes and soils, while adding value and providing habitat for birds, butterflies, and our threatened native insects like urban lightning bugs!
Education
2023-2025
M.S. Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Masters Thesis Titled 'On The Road Again': Evidence-Based Recommendations for Roadside Native Species Seeding. IDOT and INDOT funded research on best practices for native restoration on highway roadsides.
2013-2017
B.S. Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, B.S. Geology
Tulane University
Restoration design and monitoring, volunteer supervision, drone piloting, ArcGIS mapmaking and environmental data collection through The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, The National Parks Service, and The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council
Relevant Papers and Articles
Blog article through the Missouri Botanical Garden Natural History of Ecological Restoration blog.
Full text of thesis through the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Department
