Backyard Ecology™ strives to create a warm, welcoming, and safe environment where anyone who is interested can learn:
- about the native plants, pollinators, wildlife, and other nature that can be found in the eastern U.S., and
- how to go beyond just gardening to transform your yard into a beautiful thriving ecosystem that supports the native plants, pollinators, wildlife, and other natural components that can be found in the eastern U.S.
To help us accomplish this goal we have developed a Code of Conduct to guide our activities and discussions. If you choose to participate in any of our services or interact with us in any way, we ask that you also adhere to this Code of Conduct which is built upon showing mutual respect and acceptance.
We reserve the right to ignore, ban, delete, hide, remove, or otherwise refuse to provide services to anyone who repeatedly or flagrantly acts, in our opinion, in a manner that is not in accordance with our Code of Conduct.
- Backyard Ecology™ provides an inclusive and safe space which provides a harassment-free experience for everyone. This includes all the “normal stuff” (gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, religion., etc.) as well as views on climate change, pesticide use, hunting, beekeeping, raising backyard chickens, jumping in mud puddles, or whatever. Disagreeing with someone is ok, but we do not tolerate any form of harassment, bullying, or name calling.
- Don’t try to force your opinions on others. Accept that there are no simple, one-size-fits-all answers when it comes to ecology or how we live our lives. Everyone has unique situations which means their choices may be different than yours, and that’s ok.
- Seek first to understand. Ask questions and try to clarify exactly what someone is asking for or needs help with. Try to resist the temptation to jump straight into problem solving mode and give lots of unasked for advice. (Note: This may be the hardest point to follow because we all want so badly to help. Everyone will probably fall short and break this one at times. For that reason, this is the area where we will be the most lenient. The important thing is that we are all trying to follow it.)
- Be kind and generous. Always assume the best intentions. We’re all human. We all have bad days. Be willing to ask for and give forgiveness when necessary.
- Have fun. Laugh. Share cool, fun, interesting things you observe or discover. It’s ok to geek out and be a little weird or nerdy.
