Native plants are crucial for a healthy ecosystem. The Local Refuge creates thoughtfully designed apparel with a subtle invitation to notice, learn, and embrace the native plants around us.

A Work in Progress

We're Keven and Katherine Loiselle, a couple still learning, still growing, and deeply in love with the idea that our own backyard can make a difference.

Tending to our yard is our zen. It's a source of tremendous pride!

The Habitat in Our Backyard

About five years ago, Keven and Katherine started turning their suburban yard into something more. Not just a lawn to mow, but a habitat — native plants chosen for the insects, the birds, the animals, and honestly, for themselves too. They love it out there. It's not perfect, but they make improvements every year, and that's the whole point.

Along the way, they discovered the work of ecologist Douglas W. Tallamy, whose book Bringing Nature Home put words to what they were already feeling. In the afterword, he writes: "The future of our nation's biodiversity is dim unless we start to share the places in which we live... with the plants and animals that evolved there."

That hit home. Literally.

Why The Local Refuge

Towards the end of 2025, the idea took shape: what if we could use apparel to advocate for native plants? To start conversations, inspire other people to look at their own yards differently, and donate a portion of proceeds to local educational programs?

So together, we started The Local Refuge — a conservation-inspired apparel company celebrating the native plants that make our shared spaces worth protecting. Cardinal Flower. Coneflower. Joe Pye Weed. Mountain Mint. Plants that belong here, and that so much of our local wildlife depends on.

What We're Building

This is about more than a shirt. Here's what we're genuinely hoping The Local Refuge becomes:

• A conversation starter. Selling a unique product that gets people talking… about plants. That's a win every time.
• A community. Connecting with people, participating in the native plant movement, and finding others who care about local ecosystems as much as we do.
• A gateway. If someone visits this site and doesn't buy a thing, but walks away thinking "maybe I'll plant one native plant this year" — that matters. That's the whole point.
• A force for good. A portion of proceeds will be donated to local charities and educational programs that teach people — especially kids — about native plants and local ecosystems.
• A growing collection. More designs, more products, more plants to celebrate. We're just getting started.

For Mom (Michele Loiselle)

We launched this on Keven's mom's birthday. She's the reason he ever picked up a rake in the first place — even if he didn't appreciate it at the time. If it weren't for her, none of this would exist.

Come Grow With Us

We're incredibly excited about this, and honestly a little nervous — we've never done anything like it before. But we're here for it. If you're a native plant enthusiast, a backyard habitat builder, a curious beginner, or just someone who loves the outdoors, we'd love for you to be part of this community.

Welcome to The Local Refuge!

— Keven & Katherine Loiselle