Take your first steps towards a vibrant, thriving native habitat.
Small Steps Native Landscaping
About Me
Hi! My name is Jordan (they/them). I’m a recent graduate of UC Davis with a degree in plant science and ecology. I offer small-scale, ecologically sound garden work in the East Bay. I have experience with restoration and landscaping work, and I love what I do.
I have a specific interest in fire science, and can help you with designing a fire-safe and legally compliant yard.
Me collecting samples of benthic macroinvertebrates in Putah creek as part of a lab.
Anthers and pistils of a grass flower. Look for the little white dangly things hanging off of grasses in spring.
Me at a work site in Newark, CA.
What My Clients Say
-- Jeremy, Newark
“Jordan is experienced enough to not need supervision, receptive to being taught if there are particular ways I want things done, and thoughtful and considerate enough to make sure that the work they do is consistent with my overall vision for the garden.”
-- Jeremy, Newark
Unique aloe varieties provide spiky cover for lizards and insects, while sages, poppies, and buckeyes feed pollinators and mammals.
The beneficial predatory insect Sphex pensylvanicus, aka the Great Black Digger Wasp, primarily eats grasshoppers and other Orthoptera. It does also seem to have a taste for thyme nectar!
-- Sage, East Oakland
A neglected front bed turned into habitat for lizards: Large rocks offer spots for both basking and hiding, a native Buckwheat (Erigonum sp.) grows to cover the ground and shade the soil, and poppies and monkeyflowers attract pollinators.
“Jordan didn't just help me redo my yard, they changed the way I look at environmentalism and ecology, from something abstract to something I can practice with actions as simple as pulling a weed or planting a shrub.”
-- Sage, East Oakland
My Services
01
Free 45-min First Time Consult
A free, first-time site visit where we do a walkthrough. We’ll discuss pain points, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals, and you’ll get an email summary afterwards.
02
Customized Short- and Long-Term Plans
When you decide to move forward with me, I will create 3 custom, tiered proposals, broken down by cost. Proposals are flexible, and we’ll revise until you are happy. You will receive a care guide after your project is completed.
03
Continued or Seasonal Maintenance
Whether it’s a large-scale project, monthly rounds of violence against Oxalis, or just a seasonal touchup, I will help you out over the long term.
I am currently unable to offer the following:
Tree work beyond simple pruning
Extensive hardscaping, or concrete pours
Manicured lawn maintenance
Thank you for your understanding.
Where Else to find me
Thank you for your interest! Right now, I am only on Nextdoor under a personal account. Please reach out via email or phone (text first, it’s on vibrate!) to chat or ask more questions.
