Science-based ecological stewardship for the Northeast’s rare and resilient landscapes

Rewild Ecological is a data-driven environmental consulting firm that helps conservation organizations, consulting firms, and private landowners transform complex datasets into actionable strategies, guiding informed decisions and delivering measurable conservation impact through scientific research and restoration. Read all about our projects for 2026 here.

Flyer for the 2026 Botanical Survey of The Bowl Research Natural Area, featuring a lush green forest and mountains in the background with additional photos of forest scenes on the lower part of the flyer. The flyer includes event details, a photo of researcher Michael Whittemore, and logos of sponsoring organizations.

A recent talk delivered by our founder, Michael Whittemore, at the Sustaining Biodiversity in Sandplain Grasslands conference detailing a regional study and forthcoming paper describing the flora, extent, and rare species of imperiled Sandplain Grassland. This project showcases our approach of using science to improve applied restoration outcomes for our clients, and the region.

Founded by botanist and restoration ecologist Michael Whittemore, Rewild Ecological draws on more than a decade of experience leading stewardship, science and restoration initiatives across New England, including leadership roles with The Nature Conservancy, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and the Central Pine Barrens Commission.

We believe conservation should be guided by sound science. Through careful observation and rigorous field research, we help clients understand ecological change and make informed decisions to conserve native biodiversity throughout the Northeast.

Services

Rewild Ecological helps conservation organizations, consulting firms, and private landowners translate complex data into measurable impact through science, strategy, and restoration. Our expertise includes biological inventory, data collection and analysis, cartography, conservation program assessment, strategic planning, scientific research, and ecological restoration.

Group of people in a forest conducting a field study, examining plants or soil, wearing outdoor clothing and safety gear.

Science

A circular infographic illustrating the 8 steps of strategic planning. The steps include defining the vision, analyzing the environment, establishing strategic objectives, developing strategies and initiatives, plan resources and capabilities, implement the plan, monitor and measure progress, review and adapt. Each step is represented with a different color and icon.

Biological Inventory, Database Management, Data Analysis, Cartography, Scientific Research, Long-term Ecological Monitoring

Strategy

Construction equipment and trucks on a dirt lot with trees in the background.

Conservation Program Assessment, Data-Driven Strategic Planning, File Organization & Digitization, Systems Upgrades

Restoration

Habitat Management Plans, Ecological Restoration Planning, Contracting, Seed Sourcing, Project Oversight

About Rewild Ecological

Founded in 2019 by Michael Whittemore, the mission of Rewild Ecological is to help conservation organizations, environmental consultants and private landowners turn ecological knowledge into measurable conservation outcomes.

Conservation organizations often operate with limited budgets and lack in-house technical capacity. Rewild Ecological fills that gap—strengthening programs through assessment and data-driven strategic planning, and translating complex ecological data into measurable science and restoration outcomes that resonate with funders and communities.

Rewild Ecological also partners with private landowners who wish to better understand and enhance their landscapes, improving biodiversity and climate resilience using proven, science-based approaches. Our services include site assessments, biological inventory, restoration, and long-term monitoring to ensure lasting impact.

A smiling man with dark hair, a beard, and a mustache wearing a patterned button-up shirt, standing outdoors with green trees in the background.

Michael Whittemore is a botanist, landscape ecologist, and restoration practitioner with more than a decade of experience leading conservation and ecological restoration initiatives across New England. Through Rewild Ecological, he draws on leadership experience with organizations including The Nature Conservancy, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and the Central Pine Barrens Commission.

Michael earned an MS in Environmental Studies from Ohio University, where he mapped plant communities across a 2,000-acre old-growth forest preserve for his thesis. He has also worked with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, and Woodwell Climate Research Center on ecological monitoring, restoration research, and biodiversity conservation.

His work specializes in ecological restoration, floristic inventories, vegetation mapping, and stewardship planning across the northeastern United States, with a focus on combining rigorous field science with practical conservation action across the Northeast’s most imperiled landscapes.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys trail running, ocean kayaking, and visiting old-growth forests. See his outdoor adventure blog.

Media Portfolio

  • A person examining a plant root with a fork in a grassy field.

    Science Friday: Restoring New England Blazingstar

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  • Landscape of a forest with sparse trees, some evergreens, and leafless deciduous trees, with a cloudy sky overhead.

    Vineyard Gazette: Clearing the Way for Frost Bottom Preservation

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  • A man wearing a gray shirt and black and red headphones around his neck, outdoors in a natural setting, holding onto a small tree with pink ribbon tied around its thin trunk.

    WBUR: Restoring Rare Moth Habitat

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  • A man wearing a beige cap, dark blue jacket, and khaki pants standing outdoors in front of a body of water with trees and hills in the background, under a clear blue sky.

    MV Times: A Passion for Conservation

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  • Screenshot of a news website featuring an article about the Frenchman Bay Conservancy revitalizing the site of the former Bar Harbor Golf Course. The page includes a large image of a landscape with trees, a body of water, and a cloudy sky, along with a play button indicating a video. The website header shows the WABI 5 logo and navigation options. A green advertisement banner is visible above the article title.

    WABI5: Frenchman Bay Conservancy Jordan River Restoration

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  • A person wearing a cap and jacket, crouched in tall grass, holding a small red flower, on Martha's Vineyard.

    The Nature Conservancy: Restoring Unique Habitats on Martha's Vineyard

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  • A person giving a presentation on a large screen displaying a slide about rare species, including images of plants and graphs showing the number of rare species by state.

    Long Island Natural History Conference: Sandplain Grassland Flora, Status and Map

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  • Slide showing a title slide for a presentation on 'Distribution, Status, and Flora of Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain Heathland and Grassland,' with a list of authors and a background image of a grassy landscape with a cloudy sky.

    Sandplain Grassland Conference: My talk detailing a paper I'm submitting to a conservation journal

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Contact Us

If you're interested in working with us, we welcome you to complete the form below with a few details about your project, or email us at michael@rewildecological.com. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.

Group of people in a wooded outdoor area examining something on the ground, some wearing safety vests and hats, and one person holding a rolled-up paper or map.