Nature ’ s Best Hope
A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard
By Douglas W . Tallamy
New York Times Bestseller
Book review by Cindy Perry
Many readers will remember Dr . Doug Tallamy ’ s Fall 2018 Conservation Matters program , where he inspired us to evaluate our landscaping and Island habitat . Dr . Tallamy was so well received by our Kiawah community that the Conservancy invited him back to be the keynote speaker for our May 2020 Symposium , which was unfortunately canceled due to the pandemic . He may not have been able to visit last spring , but you can read his message in his recently released book , Nature ’ s Best Hope .
Nature ’ s Best Hope is directed at individuals interested in creating healthy , eco-friendly landscaping that supports biodiversity . Dr . Tallamy ’ s suggestions are consistent with the Conservancy ’ s mission to improve ecological health on the Island . He shares the history of how we transformed the rich , diversified , natural environment of the United States by ripping out our native habitat to make way for expansive manicured green lawns . These “ urban deserts ,” as he terms them , fail to support native wildlife and balanced ecosystems . In addition to thoroughly explaining the problems , he also offers suggestions and solutions .
Dr . Tallamy endorses creating “ Homegrown National Parks ” in our yards to improve the biodiversity of our local ecosystem . In this informative book , readers will find personal stories about how he and his wife restored the landscape on their property to a native , natural , and wildlife-friendly state . Photos of vibrant caterpillars and birds that now inhabit his property appear throughout the book . He reminds us that it is not just what we plant but how we arrange our trees and plants to make our landscape habitat healthier .
Dr . Tallamy asserts that we must shrink the size of our lawns , making them into “ area rugs ” rather than “ wall-to-wall carpeting .” He provides other suggestions , such as layering plants , adjusting outdoor lighting , and adapting hardscaping . Even people living in cities can participate in this effort by strategically adding patches of local native plants that attract butterflies and other pollinators .
According to the author , many individuals lack empathy for lost native species because they have never seen them in their barren communities , where a lack of wildlife is “ normal .” Is that what will happen if we lose our bobcat population ? Will these cats not be missed by our grandchildren who have never personally seen these secretive creatures on the Island ?
Dr . Tallamy ’ s plan strongly resembles the Conservancy ’ s Naturally Kiawah Habitat Program . Nature ’ s Best Hope will encourage you to reflect on his simple suggestions and techniques to make Kiawah landscapes more resilient , healthy , and wildlife-friendly . NK
WINTER / SPRING 2021 • VOLUME 43
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