Care for Creation
March 3, 2024
Biodiversity in our backyards
In Chapter III, Loss of Biodiversity, Pope Francis says: “the good functioning of ecosystems also requires fungi, algae, worms, insects, reptiles
and an innumerable variety of microorganisms. Some less numerous species, although generally unseen, nonetheless play a critical role in maintaining the equilibrium of a particular place. Human beings must intervene when a geosystem reaches a critical state.” (LS 34)
Did you know that biodiversity is being lost at the alarming rate of 69% decrease since 1970?*
Do you know that every human being on this planet needs diverse highly productive ecosystems to survive?
Are you interested in being a part of regenerating biodiversity and ecosystem function? **
As a solution to the biodiversity challenge, Doug Tallamy has issued a “call-to-action to restore habitat where we live and work,…extending national parks to our yards and communities.”
He is a well-known Professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware and popular author and leader in conservation gardening. Perhaps you have enjoyed one of his books such as Bringing Nature Home, The Living Landscape or Nature’s Best Hope.
Doug started the Homegrown National Park (HNP) movement (https://homegrownnationalpark.org/ ) as a hub for all who are interested in preserving biodiversity by creating home gardens that support life, sequester carbon, feed pollinators and manage water.
The initial goal is 20 million acres of native plantings in the U.S. This represents approximately ½ of the green lawns of privately-owned properties, thus building connectivity among existing preserves and strengthening our collaboration with natural ecosystems.
The HNP site provides a practical guide to creating ecosystem-friendly habitats in your yard and answering all the ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions. Why is reducing the area of lawn important? How do I convert my lawn to natives?, How do keystone plants regenerate biodiversity? The best way to kill mosquitoes! and What’s the Rush?
I think you’ll find something to excite you if you spend a little time on the Homegrown National Park web page; this might be the perfect time to dive in, as the bluebirds are back in town reminding us that spring will arrive before long!
*WWF Living Planet Report 2022
** https://homegrownnationpark.org
March 3, 2024
Biodiversity in our backyards
In Chapter III, Loss of Biodiversity, Pope Francis says: “the good functioning of ecosystems also requires fungi, algae, worms, insects, reptiles
and an innumerable variety of microorganisms. Some less numerous species, although generally unseen, nonetheless play a critical role in maintaining the equilibrium of a particular place. Human beings must intervene when a geosystem reaches a critical state.” (LS 34)
Did you know that biodiversity is being lost at the alarming rate of 69% decrease since 1970?*
Do you know that every human being on this planet needs diverse highly productive ecosystems to survive?
Are you interested in being a part of regenerating biodiversity and ecosystem function? **
As a solution to the biodiversity challenge, Doug Tallamy has issued a “call-to-action to restore habitat where we live and work,…extending national parks to our yards and communities.”
He is a well-known Professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware and popular author and leader in conservation gardening. Perhaps you have enjoyed one of his books such as Bringing Nature Home, The Living Landscape or Nature’s Best Hope.
Doug started the Homegrown National Park (HNP) movement (https://homegrownnationalpark.org/ ) as a hub for all who are interested in preserving biodiversity by creating home gardens that support life, sequester carbon, feed pollinators and manage water.
The initial goal is 20 million acres of native plantings in the U.S. This represents approximately ½ of the green lawns of privately-owned properties, thus building connectivity among existing preserves and strengthening our collaboration with natural ecosystems.
The HNP site provides a practical guide to creating ecosystem-friendly habitats in your yard and answering all the ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions. Why is reducing the area of lawn important? How do I convert my lawn to natives?, How do keystone plants regenerate biodiversity? The best way to kill mosquitoes! and What’s the Rush?
I think you’ll find something to excite you if you spend a little time on the Homegrown National Park web page; this might be the perfect time to dive in, as the bluebirds are back in town reminding us that spring will arrive before long!
*WWF Living Planet Report 2022
** https://homegrownnationpark.org