Start in Your Own Backyard

“This is an extraordinary true-life story of transformation with worldwide implications.” —Paul Hawken, New York Times Bestselling Author, Carbon “Seldom has a book been so needed and timely as Steve Nygren’s manifesto. Serenbe should serve as a model for new or redeveloped neighborhoods everywhere. And his passionate courage should serve as a personal inspiration for all of us.” —Richard Louv, Author, Last Child in the Woods  “Start in Your Own Backyard is a powerful reminder that real change begins at home. This book is an important spark. Read it. Share it. Then find a way to take local action. The world needs more thoughtful and optimistic initiative, starting right where we live.” —John Zimmer, Cofounder, Lyft  “What Steve began in his own backyard has already touched and transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands. This book is a resource for developers, architects, and wellness pioneers who are motivated in advancing the vision of wellness real estate around the world.” —Susie Ellis, Chairman and CEO, Global Wellness Institute  “Start in Your Own Backyard is a powerful call to action—one rooted in optimism, common sense, and a deep respect for place. Steve Nygren shows how transformative change begins not with a master plan but with the decision to care for what’s right in front of us.” —Charles Marohn, Founder and President, Strong Towns  “This book distills the practical wisdom behind Serenbe’s transformative model—a road map for building healthier, more connected communities, wherever you are.” —Hon. Clare A. Martorana, US Federal Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President and General Manager, WebMD 

Concerned by the trends of poor human health and a degraded environment, Steve Nygren was on a treadmill trying to effect change but going nowhere. He surrendered to hopelessness and retreated to the countryside on the edge of Atlanta to raise his family. After seven years of retirement while walking the trails, he realized the tentacles of dysfunction could destroy his rural paradise. Rather than retreat further, he launched an effort to save his own backyard expanding the effort to the surrounding 40,000 acres that is now a living laboratory for change offering solutions and hope to communities around the world who are curious about a better future.