FALL IS THE BEST TIME TO EXPLORE NATIVE ISLANDS

In a recent interview, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pointed to the disappearance over his lifetime, of creatures that were commonly seen in the environment as the evidence for “climate change.” While I might agree that humans are responsible for much of the loss of biodiversity we are witnessing; there is strong evidence that human expansion and behaviors have long led directly to the introduction of invasive species, physical destruction of native habitat, and toxic pollution of our air and water. Climate cycles can be harder to survive for native species who are being outcompeted for food and have lost their shelter.

Native plant species provide cooling of the earth’s surface, help to control erosion, are very effective at sequestering carbon, and provide the optimum habitat to encourage the support and return of native insect, bird, and animal species. Creating a patchwork of native habitat “islands” where we live, work, and play is a critical part of the solution.

How it feels to have a little less lawn and a little more nature depends on whether you want to dip your toe in, or jump into the deep end, of native gardening. The idea is to build a native island consistent with your desire or plans for your landscape. The biggest impact comes from many of us deciding to create various sized islands for local wildlife to travel among in search of shelter and food.

Begin learning about native landscaping by creating a small bed (or pot) of perennial flowers for pollinators or replace existing shrubs or plants with natives.  Native plants need less water and once established, tolerate changing weather patterns (drought, cold, wet, etc.) without requiring regular treatment with pesticides or fertilizers.

Take a tour of your current landscape in the morning, wandering with a hot cup of coffee, or stroll around in the late afternoon with your favorite Oregon wine or local microbrew. Decide how to renew your view by Googling “central Oregon native plants” which will provide lots of free info from the OSU extension service and the locations of several nurseries in Bend which specialize in locally sourced native plants. You will be surprised at the variety of beautiful plants and the expert advice you can get by chatting with their dedicated staffs.

There is some “low hanging fruit” that could make a tremendous immediate impact. There are many high value “keystone” native trees in our communities whose full potential is stunted by mismanagement of their canopies. The leaf litter that falls from the trees should remain under the canopy where it provides essential nutrition for the tree, and vital habitat to butterflies, moths, and insects that form the foundation of our food web. Removing the leaves or planting a lawn under the canopy are major culprits causing the loss of biodiversity we are witnessing and breaks the natural carbon sequestration process of the tree.

Removing the lawn from beneath the canopy can be done by laying down cardboard and covering it with woodchips and/or 6-8 inches of leaves and grass clippings. In the spring, it will be ready for planting of some native ground cover, flowers, or shrubs – whatever your budget and ambition allows. Make sure you plant some perennial flowers around the yard to nourish all the butterflies and moths that will emerge from beneath your canopy to provide food for the hatchlings of native birds.

Native gardening is a joyful way to be part of the solution to restoring our relationship with Nature.

Become part of the solution. Go to www.theoregongreenplan.org.

John Di Paola, Founder Oregon Green Plan