Welcome to Optimise Ecology

Science-based solutions for sustainable cities.

About Optimise Ecology

Optimise Ecology brings over 20 years of urban ecology expertise and a deep commitment to building sustainable, greener, and more equitable cities for people and nature. Based in Adelaide and working across Australia, we proudly partner with governments, developers, and communities to deliver innovative, science-driven solutions in urban greening, heat management, and biodiversity enhancement.

We specialise in mapping, modelling, technical reporting, and stakeholder engagement - transforming complex challenges into actionable, evidence-based outcomes and enabling data-informed decisions for healthier, thriving places.

Driven by forward-looking leadership, we champion integrity and innovation, delivering real-world results that shape resilient, vibrant cities.

Our Services

Optimise Ecology offers comprehensive services designed to support councils, developers, and communities in building healthier and more resilient urban environments.

Urban Heat

Spatial mapping and modelling of urban heat.
Targeted cooling initiative recommendations for heat mitigation.
Assessment of social vulnerability to guide prioritised actions for at risk communities.
Technical reporting, end-to-end strategy and plan development, and community engagement.

Urban Greening

Mapping and modelling of land and canopy cover.
Green equity analysis using the 3-30-300 rule.
Tree ecosystem services assessments using i-Tree Eco.
Setting and tracking canopy cover targets using the TPP tool.
Development of prioritised planting plans.
Classification of landscape typologies to inform tailored greening strategies.
Analysis of plant resilience to inform species selection and management.
Technical reporting, end-to-end strategy and plan development, and community engagement.

Urban Biodiversity

Fauna field surveys.
Ecological value modelling and target assessments.
Habitat suitability and landscape connectivity modelling.
Biodiversity sensitive urban design (BSUD).
Technical reporting, end-to-end strategy and plan development, and community engagement.

Contact Us

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re exploring city greening, tackling urban heat, or planning a biodiversity project, the team at Optimise Ecology is ready to help.

Reach out to us by phone, email, or via LinkedIn to start the conversation. We promise a prompt, friendly, and expert response - let’s work together to create healthier, greener, and more resilient urban spaces!

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Who We Are

Dr Jenni Garden, Founder and Principal Ecologist at Optimise Ecology, is a nationally recognised expert in urban ecology with over 20 years of proven experience. Backed by a Ph.D. and post-doctoral research in urban, landscape, and climate change ecology, together with a career that spans academia, private consultancy, and State government, Jenni brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise, scientific rigour, and grounded, practical insight to every project.

Driven by a passion for transforming urban environments, Jenni provides personalised, bespoke services that deliver real impact for cities, nature, and communities. Her skillset covers experimental design, advanced data analysis, GIS and spatial modelling, technical reporting, and dynamic stakeholder engagement - enabling solutions that are innovative, evidence-based, practical, and actionable.

As a trusted consultant, Jenni has successfully partnered with more than 200 local governments across Australia, as well as residential and infrastructure developers, private organisations, schools, and community groups – guiding projects from concept to delivery and always championing evidence-based approaches that help create greener, cooler, healthier, and more resilient places for people and nature.

Choose Optimise Ecology for trusted expertise and solutions that shape the cities of tomorrow.