Deb looks forward to working with you - as your very own Personal Ecologist!
Understanding The Personal Ecologist’s Rates
Please read the following information in its entirety before booking a consultation.
I believe we are living through a truly transformational time that will bring much-needed shifts to our outdated and dysfunctional systems. The work we will do together – as habitat partners – feels more important than ever. Indeed, the restoration of nature (and our place within it) is of vital importance to our future, and our life support system (Earth).
As a part of that collective change, I have adopted a new pricing model to:
Operate an equitable, community-supported small business.
Provide increased access to my services, while ensuring that my business will be economically viable for years to come.
Divest from the problematic aspects of capitalism.
To achieve this, my services are now offered under a self-selecting sliding scale.
Why am I using a self-selecting sliding scale?
Over the years I have been very thoughtful about determining my rates – but it was constrained by the typical fee-for-service business model. This “one size fits all” system feels rigid, unfair, and limiting - yet it’s the system under which business is done in our society (pay ‘x’, and you get ‘y’ – end of story).
I have encountered eager “Habitat Heroes” who would love to work with me, but simply could not afford my services. At the same time, I have also worked with people who felt my services were worth more than my fees – and everything in between.
As a sole proprietor with small profit margins, I need to operate a viable business.
AND…
I want to provide more access and equity within our community of Habitat Heroes. Together, I want us to play an active part in the collective arc toward economic, social, and environmental justice.
How does it work?
1. Carefully read and review the levels of service in the booking brochure (attached). Take your time to read the brochure and decide which Consultation Level you are most interested in.
2. You will see three tiers of pricing – the Grassroots Rate, the Regular Rate, and the First Light Forward Rate. Full descriptions and explanations of each tier are below.
3. When you click on the booking link within the brochure, you will see the available dates, as well as your invested cost for that pricing tier.
4. Rather than a “cost”, in the typical capitalistic sense, think about the price as an investment – an investment in your landscape, your community, and the greater good.
Please consider your entire financial picture when self-selecting – including wages, expenses, savings, privilege (and/or inherent obstacles or disadvantages), family wealth, etc. I do not require proof of your financial situation. Instead, I am using an honor system. When selecting your rate, please do not overthink it. I do not want this to cause stress. If you are really unsure about what tier to choose when booking, I suggest the Regular Rate.
Tiers of Investment:
Grassroots Rate
This community-supported rate is designed for those with limited expendable income experiencing financial constraints that might otherwise prevent us from working together*. This rate is supported by our larger community (those who book at the First Light Forward rate). Keep in mind that I accept a limited number of these bookings each year in order to meet my bottom line.
*If you have financial barriers that are not alleviated by this pricing, I might be able to accommodate you, depending on your need and my availability. If your circumstances require further consideration, you are welcome to fill out this form for my review.
Regular Rate
This rate is for those who can afford the service without undue financial burden. This rate reflects the years of expertise and extensive resource materials that I bring to a consultation, and is calculated to meet my bottom-line costs of professional development and operating expenses, while also providing me with an appropriate wage.
First Light Forward
This community-building rate is for those who place a high value on my services as part of our shared ecological future, and have the means to “pay it forward”. When you choose this rate you make it possible for me to serve Grassroots-level Habitat Heroes. Your support will also allow me to build my capacity and impact as an ecological educator. Booking at this rate will make it possible for me to devote more time to informing and empowering people of diverse backgrounds to repair and restore habitats at home, within our local communities, schools, businesses, and common spaces.
Ready to Book your In-Person Consultations?
for your yard, forestland, farm, park and/or campus habitat
I will personally visit your special place and:
Provide specific on-site recommendations for your unique landscape – whether your property is ¼ acre or a thousand acres.
Listen carefully and identify your specific interests, values, and needs. Respond to your needs and questions with thoughtful advice and expert suggestions.
Identify trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and landscape features of value or concern.
Help you develop a phased action plan that meets your long-term vision and ecological values.
Provide a customized packet of relevant resources and informative how-to documents: The Personal Ecologist’s guidelines and specifications for bird/bat/bee houses, invasive plant control, and/or top sources for native plants, for example – specially developed for First Light clients.
As your Personal Ecologist, I offer three levels of service to meet a range of needs and budgets.
Level 1
Consultation Devoted time spent on your property (1.5 hours).
What’s included?
All of the above.
Level 2
Devoted time spent on your property (1.5 hours).
What’s included?
All of the above, plus.... A thoughtfully curated list of native plantings for particular areas with habitat values and information.
Level 3
Devoted time spent on your property (1.5 hours).
What’s included? All of the above, plus.... A detailed report with custom plant lists, recommendations by area, step-by-step guidelines, a suggested timeline of activities, & more.
Level 1
The Consultation is a survey and a guided nature walk combined – think of it as an experience. You will learn a lot when you walk through your landscape with The Personal Ecologist by your side. You will see things you have never noticed. No matter what size, shape, or condition your property is in, you will discover its greater potential as an intentionally biodiverse, living landscape that will bring you pride and deep solace in today’s complicated world. Your wishes, concerns, and questions will be meaningfully addressed.
You will feel hopeful and inspired, and come away with a clear vision of how you can transform your space into a thriving sanctuary for birds, pollinators, and other species of conservation concern.
You are welcome to record the consultation (video and/or audio), take notes, and photos to remind yourself of what we found and discussed together. I will label select trees, shrubs, and other plants for you. You will receive a special packet of my top relevant resources and how-to documents.
View and book rates below:
Level 2
This is a great fit if you want the consultation experience and you also want to walk away with a customized list of native plantings for particular areas. It is ideal for those who are ready to spring into action with regards to a couple of clearly defined focal areas.
As with Level 1, you might want to record the consultation (video and/or audio), take notes, and remind yourself of what we found and discussed together.
I will label select trees, shrubs, and other plants for you. In addition to your customized list(s) of native plantings, you will also receive the resource packet (as in Level 1).
Level 3
This top level service includes everything in Levels 1 and 2, plus a thorough in-depth report of everything we discussed, including the detailed action steps I recommend to enhance specific habitats or areas.
This is a good fit if you are: – a detail-oriented person looking to transform your space over the long term (in phases), – interested in taking a guided, deep dive into learning more about your local ecology and biodiversity, and – looking for clear, step-by-step guidelines of ecological practices presented in a detailed report.
Depending on your knowledge and personality type, this level may be a bit overwhelming for some, while for others it’s exactly what they want – a total toolkit!
First Light’s Payment & Refund Policy