October 13th

By Mutt Mulligan

Nature starts in your backyard!

Did you know that your backyard is part of the world’s ecosystem? It’s true!

Nature starts right at your backdoor. Our yards, parks, schoolyards and other community green space are important, not just for the environmental and health benefits they offer, but also for wildlife and insects.

Grass, trees, shrubs and other plant life provide food and habitat for birds and small mammals. Insects, spiders and worms live among your grass blades and below the surface in the turf.

When people eliminate living landscapes in favor of xeriscaping or hardscaping, it forces birds, squirrels and other animals to forage for food elsewhere. If we eliminate living landscapes from urban and suburban life, birds and wildlife will lose their habitat!

Habitat loss and degradation have been identified as two causes of pollinator decline, emphasizing the value of adopting pollinator-friendly practices in our yards and green spaces.

So as you’re planning your living landscapes, keep this in mind. Add pollinator plants and choose native species that are perfectly suited for local wildlife, insects and birds.

For help selecting the right plants for your climate, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. To learn more about living landscapes, go to LivingLandscapesMatter.com.