When it comes to wildlife conservation, the Brits are often way ahead of us. But the good news is that we can learn from them and do our best to catch up.
In Gardeners must unite to save Britain’s wildlife, experts say there are some great tips for uniting with other gardeners in your neighborhood to create larger areas of habitat.
Yes, every action you take on behalf of wildlife in your own garden can make a big difference. But when you band together with your neighbors, you can create larger areas that help more.
Ecologists have long recognized that bigger is better. And this is especially true as urban environments encroach further and further into natural areas. When gardeners unite to create larger areas for wildlife, more animals can benefit, biodiversity increases, and you will get to observe many more species in your garden.
For example, if all of the gardeners around one block joined together and cooperatively planted some native trees and shrubs you will have created a much larger swath of habitat which will attract more birds, butterflies, and pollinators.
You can choose to adopt one endangered species such as a butterfly, and each of you plant its host plant and a wide variety of nectar plants, and thus create a large habitat where that species can thrive.
You may feel that your neighbors have no interest in helping these animals, but one way to start is to gift them with some of your plants as you divide them. I don’t know about you, but I’m thrilled when someone gives me the gift of a plant. It feels like a gift from the heart. And I will gladly plant them.
You could become the ambassador for wildlife in your neighborhood by helping your neighbors to get started. Sometimes just a little bit of encouragement is all it takes to get someone excited about protecting the wildlife of your area.
What are you doing to get your neighbors interested in helping wildlife? What kind of example are you setting? What projects could your neighbors unite over to create welcoming habitats for wildlife? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
© 2010, Carole Brown. All rights reserved.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
A great idea for those whose neighbors share a love of wildlife! I once had neighbors whose dreaded ‘bug zapper’ would keep me up at night… even though it was far away the sounds echoed off a large outcropping of rock… it was awful hearing the frying of beetles or … perish the thought … luna moths! (Enter ipod for those lovely moonlit nights) So insane because they do not even really kill mosquitos! Thank the universe those people were only renting and moved away! I have spoken with other neighbors whose land is right across the street from some of mine and asked about preserving corridors for wildlife. My land is almost all in wildlife conservation and I manage the fields and shrubberies of fruit below just before the forest with all sorts of wildlife in mind. I do cover a few blueberry bushes for my family and friends. I am excited about this possibility of neighbors joining together and expanding habitats… I see hope in this… as now with front yards being torn out and gardens popping up all across America! More and more people are learning about native plants too and caring about gardening organically! I have seen a great change in the last thirty years! Yeah! Great Post Carole ;>))
Carolflowerhill´s last blog ..Smith College Winter Conservatory For Liisa
Oh! I meant to say regarding the bug zapper year… that when I approached my neighbors very gingerly … they said that they would not take the horrid thing down because they wanted a “BUG FREE ZONE” … Yes… you heard it right! Bug free! No wondrous fire flies… luna moths… so hopefully there are no large kinks in the chain of neighbors sharing borders. ;>)
Carolflowerhill´s last blog ..Smith College Winter Conservatory For Liisa
First, let me say a huge thanks Carole for this post. I hope it makes many people think about improving their neighborhoods for nature.
I am fortunate to live in an area where wildlife is encouraged through the covenants. No fences other than split-rail, less than 4 feet tall, and invisible fences are allowed. This permits the wildlife, including deer, foxes, coyotes, bear, and others to move freely through the area of about 8000 people. How lucky is that! We are also encouraged to leave much of the native scrub oaks, pines, grasses etc. That’s why we moved here, and so do others. I do encourage, cajole, twist elbows, etc. though when it comes to fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and the like. And don’t even get me started on watering the grass. We live in the mountain/high desert, and receive less than 20 inches of rain a year. So, when talking to clients, neighbors, friends I teach them about replacing their lawns with waterwise alternatives. Most listen, except for bugs. Like Carol said above, there are just some people who think all bugs are bad, and all bug sprays are good. That is my biggest educational goal – to convince people that 94% of insects are either beneficial or benign, and that snakes in the garden are great.
Kathy
Kathy Green´s last blog ..Frosting the Garden
Once again a great post Carole. I’m working on my own garden first – I’d love it to be a showcase for what is possible. First comes the back garden, then the front. As I move into the front I will be out in the street more and talking to neighbors as they pass, which helps a LOT. I plan to have a sign too. After that I’ll see what is possible – likely the next step would be the homeowners association newsletter or meeting, or hosting a garden tour.
Alison Kerr´s last blog ..Companion Planting Doesn’t Work!