“ To Feed the Birds , First Feed the We need our insects . And insects Bugs ” helped me understand that need food they can eat . insects are specialists . If insects
Ironically , in learning to lead don ’ t have their preferred plants outdoor trips in my early years , I ’ d that they evolved to eat , they don ’ t been trained how to avoid dangers : survive , and all the creatures that watch for ticks , recognize poison depend on them within that ecosystem also won ’ t survive . Many of of your approach , and stay away
ivy , stomp your feet to warn snakes
us enjoy feeding birds , and stock from stinging bees . Now I plant to our feeders with seeds to attract attract beneficial bees and wasps . them . But what is not so obvious They pollinate our flowers and food is that while most adult birds eat crops . But slowing down and paying attention has led me to a new seeds , many also eat insects . And their babies need the soft bodied appreciation for the little winged caterpillars to make it to adulthood . The population of insects has ted purple and monarch butterflies ,
ones — not just the flashy red-spot-
to be large enough to play its vital but also the hoverflies and mud role in the web of life and to carry daubers . Seeing the distinctive on its important work . circles formed by the leaf cutter
One study in the Washington DC metropolitan area found joy that is hard to explain . As Dr .
bees on native redbuds brought a
that each chickadee couple needs Tallamy explains , our birds depend 600-9000 caterpillars to raise one on the bugs , and the entire web clutch of chicks . One clutch means of life is enriched when the plants 1-13 baby birds . Those caterpillars around us support those bugs . need keystone species : local oaks ,
Inspired , I began working with willows , cherries support the diversity of caterpillars species needed . restoration . With eager students
others to work on environmental
This study led to a recommendation — aim for 70 % native plants and University and Poolesville High
from both George Washington
less than 30 % non-natives . Native School as well as other local community members , we began by perennials such as asters , goldenrod and sunflowers are also important keystone species . Bottom line : thuggish plants that rob
rewilding the land by removing the resources
Getting Started with Native Plants
n Add to your existing landscape — Consider keeping the less showy but beneficial black cherry that pops up where the birds plant it . n Aim for diversity , but include enough of any one type of plant to attract pollinators . n Plan for systematic removal of problematic plants such as English ivy , invasive honeysuckle , tree of heaven and Bradford pear and replace with natives . n Find support — Social media has a wide range of groups that can teach and encourage you .
Enthusiastic volunteers from Poolesville High School lovingly put in plants for pollinators at the KPC Buddhist Temple . Volunteers from PHS and other local schools and Scout groups are important contributors to KPC ’ s ongoing environmental restoration efforts .
but do not support our insects and birds . Little by little , we see a difference . What joy to see native trees , shrubs and herbaceous perennials with winged creatures flocking to them !
Studying and volunteering with Denise Gibbs , then a naturalist at Black Hill Park , I learned to see not only the beauty but also the benefits of native plants — the very plants that nourish the web of life and sustain our birds , bees , butterflies and other beneficial insects are often easy to grow and maintain , with little maintenance required . Easy ? Good for the planet ? I ’ m in !
With permission from my landlord , I ’ ve removed lawn from my postage-stamp sized backyard and planted shrubs and perennials native to the Piedmont region . My tall Joe Pye weed , though unfairly maligned by being called
24 plenty I summer growing 2023