How much thought do you give to your back yard? No matter how you answer this question, whatever you do, or don’t do back there, affects more than just you and your family. Even if you don’t have much interest in it, your landscape plays a big role in the cycle of life in the natural world.
DID YOU KNOW??? No matter where you live, your back yard, patio or balcony has an effect – positive or negative – on area wildlife and ecosystems beyond your property lines.
Although human expansion and development have challenged wildlife, you and I have the capability to restore a portion of their habitat which has been lost. As the saying goes, “if you build it, they will come.”
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Wildlife requires food, water, cover and a place to raise young. By simply adding a variety of native plants to your property, supplying a water source and a bird house or two, you will see a dramatic response from nature.
Once established, native plants require less water than non-native plants. That alone makes them quite valuable in today’s landscapes, and who doesn't enjoy a peaceful, low maintenance setting with a variety of songbirds and butterflies? Biodiversity supports all life including our own. We don't yet fully understand how closely our own lives depend on healthy ecosystems.
DID YOU KNOW??? that Mecklenburg along with surrounding counties can lose an average of 41 acres a day to development during normal economic growth? Where does the wildlife go that once thrived there? You and I are stewards of this earth and it is our responsibility to take care of the environment – which includes the soil, water, plants and wildlife – beginning in our own back yards.
CHILDREN: Also, our children need the connection to the natural world for healthy development which cannot be obtained through electronics. Children do better in school when their activities include outdoor play. Kids exposed to nature have a better understanding of math, science and reasoning skills.
GOING FORWARD THIS WINTER: As our gardens are tucked in for the winter, now is the perfect time to plan out your spring gardening projects to include native trees, shrubs and perennials. Consider plants that don’t need help from pesticides. Insects on your plants actually help the surrounding ecosystem food chain. Try a more natural landscape setting that, once established, takes care of itself. Consider giving back to wildlife and sharing the results with your children or grandchildren. Back yard wildlife habitats are good for your local ecosystem and for the human soul. Be part of the solution and contribute what you can through environmental stewardship. Your daily choices at home, work, and play contribute to the global future of generations to come.
TO LEARN MORE: visit http://www.crown-clt.weebly.com and check out our “Resources” tab for free literature on Wildlife Habitats, native plants, and nature friendly landscaping practices.
Ernie McLaney
DID YOU KNOW??? No matter where you live, your back yard, patio or balcony has an effect – positive or negative – on area wildlife and ecosystems beyond your property lines.
Although human expansion and development have challenged wildlife, you and I have the capability to restore a portion of their habitat which has been lost. As the saying goes, “if you build it, they will come.”
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Wildlife requires food, water, cover and a place to raise young. By simply adding a variety of native plants to your property, supplying a water source and a bird house or two, you will see a dramatic response from nature.
Once established, native plants require less water than non-native plants. That alone makes them quite valuable in today’s landscapes, and who doesn't enjoy a peaceful, low maintenance setting with a variety of songbirds and butterflies? Biodiversity supports all life including our own. We don't yet fully understand how closely our own lives depend on healthy ecosystems.
DID YOU KNOW??? that Mecklenburg along with surrounding counties can lose an average of 41 acres a day to development during normal economic growth? Where does the wildlife go that once thrived there? You and I are stewards of this earth and it is our responsibility to take care of the environment – which includes the soil, water, plants and wildlife – beginning in our own back yards.
CHILDREN: Also, our children need the connection to the natural world for healthy development which cannot be obtained through electronics. Children do better in school when their activities include outdoor play. Kids exposed to nature have a better understanding of math, science and reasoning skills.
GOING FORWARD THIS WINTER: As our gardens are tucked in for the winter, now is the perfect time to plan out your spring gardening projects to include native trees, shrubs and perennials. Consider plants that don’t need help from pesticides. Insects on your plants actually help the surrounding ecosystem food chain. Try a more natural landscape setting that, once established, takes care of itself. Consider giving back to wildlife and sharing the results with your children or grandchildren. Back yard wildlife habitats are good for your local ecosystem and for the human soul. Be part of the solution and contribute what you can through environmental stewardship. Your daily choices at home, work, and play contribute to the global future of generations to come.
TO LEARN MORE: visit http://www.crown-clt.weebly.com and check out our “Resources” tab for free literature on Wildlife Habitats, native plants, and nature friendly landscaping practices.
Ernie McLaney
