Chapter 1: the start of it all

Wildlife Neighbors was founded by Ariel Chen back in 2021 in coherent with the Wildlife Neighbors China organization. It started as a project that focused on wildlife monitoring, installing infrared cameras all across china and analyze the collected data. These data supported her initial observations to nature and beyond. When Ariel moved this project back to the school she was attending, Keystone, she noticed that the keystone environment isn’t the most suited for wildlife animals. Having monitored the campus closely for the previous year, she launched a plan to help modify the Keystone Academy campus for a better support of urban-wildlife coexistence.

Chapter 2: let the work begin

Joined with a new group of student members sharing the same passion and philosophy, Ariel led the WLN group to a series of research collection and the start of the potential to rewild an empty school ground. With extensive research, the school agreed and we were able to proceed with our first ever rewinding ground. In 2023, we also started a series of networking with other organizations and schools across the country, while actively raising awareness at our school through interactive activities.

Chapter 3 : Restore, rewind, reconnect

Bella, Thomas, and Harry took over as the new generation of leaders for the WLN with Ariel’s graduation at the start of 2023. Continuing our efforts to maintain the rewinding ground through the rocky winter, and adding the finishing touches of a pond, we have officially marked the closing of the first rewinding ground. Purposed for research, data collection has showed promising improvement in animal abundance in that specific area post rewilding. WLN is also embarking on exciting new opportunities for growth, for example being the recipient of the 2024 International baccalaureate Global Youth Action Fund, speaking and connecting with the Shunyi community through a local NGO and so much more.