I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world, not just by the incredible diversity of life around us, but by the extraordinary science that makes it all possible.

I’m Amanda Stewart, founder of The Backyard Biologist. I hold a bachelor’s degree in both Biology and Psychology, and have a background in laboratory research, science education, microbiology, infectious disease, and anatomy and physiology.

As a former biology and anatomy and physiology instructor, I’ve always enjoyed making complex scientific concepts understandable and engaging. I believe that learning how and why things happen makes the natural world infinitely more fascinating.

Why I Created The Backyard Biologist

Extraordinary biology is happening all around us, often in places we barely notice.

From the insects in our gardens to the birds outside our windows, even the most familiar organisms have remarkable adaptations, behaviors, and evolutionary histories.

I created The Backyard Biologist to inspire curiosity and deepen our understanding of the living world through science-based videos, articles, lectures, and educational courses.

Some content introduces fascinating biological concepts to a general audience, while other offerings explore the science in greater depth for naturalists, educators, and intellectually curious adults.

My goal is to make biology accessible without sacrificing the fascinating complexity that makes it worth exploring.

Wildlife Rehabilitation & ENYWARE

For nearly a decade, I’ve worked as a New York State and Federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator, caring for injured and orphaned wild animals. This hands-on experience has given me a deeper appreciation for animal behavior, physiology, development, and the complex relationships between wildlife and our communities.

I’m also the founder and Chief Biologist of ENYWARE, the Eastern New York Wildlife Association for Rehabilitation & Education, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ethical wildlife rehabilitation and public education.

Through The Backyard Biologist, I share practical, science-based guidance on wildlife encounters, including when animals need assistance and when nature is best left undisturbed.

Stay Curious

I believe that scientific curiosity doesn’t have an age limit. Whether you’re a lifelong naturalist or simply wondering about something you’ve encountered in your backyard, there’s always more to discover.


Every backyard is an ecosystem. Every neighborhood has a story to tell.