The manicured lawn, a staple of suburban living, might appear harmless, even beautiful—but an ecological crisis lies beneath the neatly trimmed grass. Lawns account for nearly 40 million acres of land in the U.S., consuming staggering amounts of water, fertilizers, and pesticides while offering little to no benefit for biodiversity. Imagine if this land, instead of serving purely aesthetical purposes, could nurture wildlife, regenerate ecosystems, and feed communities instead of being an ecological void. That’s the vision driving Casa Earth’s rewilding initiative in Florida.

Our property, recently recognized as a farm by the USDA, marks a significant milestone for Casa Earth. In 2025 we set off to create a living experiment in how suburban land can evolve into a thriving food forest. Guided by the Miyawaki method, permaculture principles, and ecosystemic design strategies championed by Dave Jacke, we’re developing a self-sustaining habitat that supports people and the planet.

The Problem with Lawns

Lawns consume 9 billion gallons of water daily in the U.S., dwarfing irrigation for crops. Even worse, their reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides contributes to soil degradation, water pollution, and a monoculture that stifles biodiversity. In urban and suburban areas, this loss of habitat further endangers pollinators, whose populations have already declined by more than 30% in recent years.

Rewilding lawns offers an antidote to these issues. By replacing grass with native plants, fruit trees, and vegetables, homeowners can transform these spaces into thriving ecosystems. A well-designed edible food forest not only improves soil health but also sequesters carbon, supports pollinators, and offers fresh, organic food—turning suburban backyards into resilient, regenerative landscapes.

The Miyawaki Method: Accelerating Biodiversity

The Miyawaki method, a revolutionary reforestation approach developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, emphasizes densely planting diverse species to mimic a forest’s natural succession. While traditional afforestation methods might take decades to establish ecosystems, Miyawaki forests grow up to ten times faster. Within just three years, these forests are established, and in 10-15 years, they develop into mature ecosystems, offering a haven for wildlife and creating oxygen-rich environments.

At Casa Earth, we adopt Miyawaki’s principles to create micro-forests across our property. By carefully selecting native species that thrive in Florida’s climate, our goal is to cultivate a biodiverse sanctuary that supports pollinators, birds, and even small mammals—all while producing edible fruits and medicinal herbs.

Dave Jacke’s Principles: Designing for Regeneration

Dave Jacke, co-author of Edible Forest Gardens, offers a blueprint for creating landscapes that mimic the structure and function of natural ecosystems. His approach integrates seven layers of a forest—ranging from canopy trees to ground cover plants—into productive, harmonious systems that work with nature rather than against it.

Incorporating Jacke’s principles, our food forest design for Casa Earth prioritizes biodiversity and community engagement. Each plant is chosen not just for its individual function but for its role within the broader system. For example, nitrogen-fixing plants will enrich the soil, while flowering species will attract pollinators critical for fruit production. Over time, this interconnected system will become self-sustaining, requiring minimal human intervention.

Casa Earth’s Vision: A Community-Centric Food Forest

The transformation of our Florida property into a food forest is about more than sustainability—it’s about community. By planting edible trees, shrubs, and herbs, we aim to create a shared space where neighbors can gather, learn, and thrive. Imagine strolling through a vibrant orchard, harvesting fresh mangoes, papayas, or moringa leaves for dinner, or learning about native Florida plants that have long been overlooked yet hold immense ecological value.

This initiative is an invitation for others to reimagine their own spaces. By turning backyards and lawns into food forests, we can collectively address food insecurity, reduce reliance on harmful agricultural practices, and create localized hubs of biodiversity.

How You Can Join the Rewilding Movement

Anyone can be part of this movement:

1. Replace Turf with Native Plants: Begin with native ground cover, wildflowers, or fruiting shrubs. Native plants require less water and provide critical habitat for pollinators.

2. Plant for Layers: Incorporate trees, shrubs, herbs, and root vegetables for a dynamic ecosystem.

3. Start a micro-forest: A small garden (or neighborhood sidewalk!) is enough to plant native species in dense clusters.

4. Join Casa Earth: Collaborate with us by donating seeds, plants, or trees so we can create shared green spaces that benefit everyone.

Casa Earth is committed to sharing our journey: we’re currently offering private online workshops and food forest landscaping for private homes and institutions in Florida. If you’re inspired by this rewilding revolution and want convert your lawn into a thriving ecosystem, reach out to us via email or @casa.earth. Together, we can replace lifeless lawns with lush, life-giving landscapes that nurture people, wildlife, and the planet.

Join us as we grow a community rooted in regeneration!