Why should we care about protecting biodiversity? Is it really that important? Yes!
We live in an interconnected and interdependent biologically diverse world. Every single species has an important role to play in life on Earth. Biodiversity is our foundation. It’s essential for our very life.
The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat all depends on the Earth’s biodiversity. Trees play an important role in absorbing greenhouse gases and cleaning the air we breathe. Rivers and watersheds provide the clean water that we drink. Plants and animals provide us with food and medicine.
Biodiversity is necessary for a healthy planet. It allows the ecosystem to prevent and recover from a variety of disasters. Rich soil, clean air, clean water, abundant forests and the rich biodiversity of species on our planet are essential for our life.
As home gardeners, we play an important role in nurturing and protecting biodiversity. The choice to create a native plant area in our gardens can make the difference between life and death for many species, including our pollinators. We need our bees! No pollinators--no flower or crop fertilization.
Here are a few other choices you can make to increase biodiversity on your land:
Stop using pesticides. Pesticides pollute our soil and water supply—and kill beneficial insects as well as the pesky ones we’re trying to eliminate.
Put up a bird feeder and birdbath to attract birds to your yard. They’ll help take care of the insect problem.
Use less fertilizer and water by reducing the size of your lawn. Plant native plants in the new space you've created.
Use an electric lawnmower—it won't pollute the environment. And your neighbors will love the dramatic reduction in noise. Check out the cordless Neuton mower. Black & Decker also makes an electric cordless mower.
Install a shallow pond in a sunny area. All it takes is eighteen inches of water to make the local wildlife happy.
For more information about what you can do to protect biodiversity, go to Conservation International.
Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
June 14, 2008
Shade Gardening
Learn about annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs and trees that will help you develop your shade garden to its full potential. Cost: $10
July 12, 2008
Trees
Alan Jensen Seller, from The Care of Trees, will teach you about the trees on your property. Cost: $10
Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website for a registration form.
