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Planting trees this autumn?

8/31/2017

Planting trees this autumn? Research shows which species are most supportive of native ecosystems.

Photo Credit: Jo Naylor

In his book “Bringing Nature Home”, University of Delaware Professor Doug Tallamy examines the importance of native plants to the natural food chain. Native trees nourish native insects which, in turn, are the most important source of food for many native birds. Some trees are more valuable than others – supporting a greater variety of moths and butterflies. Tallamy’s list of “best bets” for the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region is available online: http://www.bringingnaturehome.net/what-to-plant.html

Leave some dead flowers and stalks standing in the garden

8/28/2017

Consider leaving some dead flowers and stalks standing in the garden. They provide essential habitat and food for bugs and birds.

Cutting back withered flowers and dead stalks is often part of the late-summer routine in the garden, helping to maintain a tidy appearance. However, native bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and other valuable insects may shelter through the winter in the dried stalks, leaf litter, or under the bark of trees. Many native birds rely on seedheads as a food source. “Cleaning up” too thoroughly in your garden can deprive these important members of our native ecosystems of winter sustenance.
The National Audubon Society provides the following advice:

Don't rake: Let fallen leaves and woody debris serve as a natural mulch; this will reduce unwanted weed growth, keep your plants' roots cool and moist, and provide areas for birds to forage for ground-dwelling insects.
Enhance your garden area with brush piles that provide shelter for birds and other wildlife.
Leave the seeds: Don't "dead-head" all of your flowering plants after they bloom, as those seedheads can be an important source of food during the fall and winter.
In forested areas, leave dead trees and branches. Standing trees may provide homes for woodpeckers, chickadees, and other cavity-nesting species--while fallen trunks and branches support the entire forest food web.

Make your back-to-school routine green

8/24/2017

The National Retail Federation expects back-to-school and back-to-college spending in the United States to total $83.6 billion this year – an increase of more than 10% over the 2016 level. Families with children in elementary through high school expect to spend an average of $687.72, while those with college students estimate they’ll spend $969.88.

To avoid unnecessary costs and wasteful purchases, start by taking inventory of school supplies you already have at home. When you do go shopping, consider the following green alternatives:

Look for school supplies – especially paper products, but also pencils and even backpacks - made of recycled materials.
Choose products which are themselves recyclable or biodegradable.
Instead of stocking up on plastic bags and single-serving packaged foods, buy washable, reusable containers for lunch and snacks. Is the backpack getting too heavy? Reusable water bottles can be carried to school empty and filled on site, as needed.

What about transportation to and from school? Walking, biking and riding the school bus are better for the environment than driving your child back and forth.

Planting trees this autumn?

Leave some dead flowers and stalks standing in the garden

Make your back-to-school routine green

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