Cultivating Native Habitats at Home
At Backyard Biomes, we believe your lawn can be more than just a patch of green—it can be a living, breathing ecosystem. Our goal is to transform everyday outdoor spaces into vibrant native habitats that are not only beautiful to be in, but also provide real ecological value.
With so much of our land held as private property, we have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to reimagine the role of these spaces. What if our backyards weren’t just for us, but also for the bees, butterflies, birds, and the life that once called these places home? By changing how we think about landscaping, we can create shared spaces that serve both people and the planet.
Backyard Biomes is rooted in both science and stewardship. With a degree in ecology and a background in landscaping, forestry, and prairie management, I bring an ecological lens to every project. I’m passionate about helping people form deeper, more meaningful relationships with their environment—starting right outside their door.
Let’s grow something beautiful, together—with purpose, with care, and with life in mind.
Serving South Puget Sound–Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey, and surrounding communities.
Our Approach to Pest Management
At Backyard Biomes, we prioritize ecological balance over eradication. We follow the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—a strategy that focuses on long-term prevention and natural solutions rather than widespread chemical use.
We never use insecticides, rodenticides, moss killers, or fungicides, as these products can harm beneficial organisms, pollinators, and disrupt the soil and ecosystem health we aim to nurture.
When weed control is necessary, we use selective herbicides only with your consent, and always in a careful, targeted way to minimize harm. We prioritize low-impact, spot treatments and prefer using herbicides that break down quickly and affect as few non-target species as possible.
Our goal is to support life—not fight it. Thoughtful, informed management allows us to cultivate healthier ecosystems that thrive naturally, with minimal intervention.
Our Approach to Fertilizers
At Backyard Biomes, we avoid the use of conventional fertilizers due to their harmful environmental impacts. Excess nutrients from fertilizers often wash into waterways, contributing to algal blooms, dead zones, and long-term soil degradation. They can also upset the balance of native ecosystems by favoring aggressive, fast-growing species over slower, ecologically valuable ones.
We do not use fertilizers by default. If a lush, green lawn is something you’re looking for, we can discuss building a runoff-buffer garden or a rain garden system to filter and absorb excess nutrients responsibly. Only in those cases—and only if desired—would we consider using fertilizer in a limited and controlled way.
Our goal is to create thriving landscapes that don’t rely on artificial inputs, but instead build fertility naturally through healthy soil, native plants, and ecological design.
Transform Your Outdoor Space into a Native Habitat
Meet the dedicated experts passionate about restoring natural beauty in your backyard.
Mo Morwell
Head Landscaper
Hi, I’m Mo—the head landscaper here at Backyard Biomes!
I’m an experienced landscaper with a background in ecological restoration, including forest and prairie habitats. I hold a degree in Environmental Science and Ecology, and I’m passionate about bringing the principles of restoration into the everyday spaces we call home.
Whether it’s through native plantings, pollinator-friendly design, or reclaiming neglected corners, I’m here to help make your yard not just more beautiful—but more alive.
Let’s grow something wild together.
Camel Speer
Ecological Landscaper
Hi, I’m Camel – Ecological Landscaper 🌿
I’m an experienced landscaper with a degree in ecology and a background in restoration work. My studies have focused on forestry, wildlife biology, sustainable farming, and ornithology.
I’m passionate about creating outdoor spaces that support biodiversity and thrive with the rhythms of the natural world. Whether it’s building bird habitat, restoring native plant communities, or improving soil health, I love helping people reconnect with the land through thoughtful, eco-friendly design that promotes biodiversity.
Calvin Parker
Landscaper
Calvin brings a deep passion for the natural world to the Backyard Biomes team. Before joining us, he spent years as a backpacking guide, sharing the beauty and wonder of the outdoors with others. He’s also worked hands-on in local park restoration, helping protect and revive native habitats right here in our community.
We’re thrilled to have Calvin’s expertise, enthusiasm, and love for the environment, helping us create thriving ecosystems