Protect ecosystems

​I recently spent a few days in the desert.  In this very dry environment, you can easily see how plants have adapted to the difficult living conditions.  They have many specialized attributes that allow them to survive in hot weather during long periods without rain.  These plants could not survive in a wet climate, and plants from wet climates could not survive in the desert.  Animals and insects have adapted to the climate and plants that are available.  Although it looks desolate to many, the deserts are thriving ecosystems where the plants, animals, insects, birds, and lizards are all dependent on each other.  Similarly, rainforests, prairie grasslands, and oceans have specialized ecosystems.  If these ecosystems are disrupted by human activity, some of the inhabitants (including the plants) can no longer thrive, which then further disrupts the ability of other inhabitants to survive.  When you visit public lands, be careful to avoid damaging the area and follow posted rules.  If you control an area of land (even if it’s very small), you can help maintain or restore the natural ecosystem by encouraging native plants and discouraging invasive species.  The critters that depend on the native plants will have a better chance to thrive.  If you don’t control any land or can’t return your small backyard to native habitat, here are some ideas:

• Research plants that are helpful to birds and insects that live in your area.  Then plant them in pots on your porch or plots in your backyard.
• Research bats and birds in your area.  Can you help them by putting up a bat house or bird house?  Provide water in a bird bath?  Perhaps they don’t need these things, but instead need a patch of un-mowed tall grass or a bush to hide in. 
• Avoid harsh chemical pesticides (I did a post in July on ways to control pests   http://www.3percentsustainability.com/three-percent-sustainability-challenge/integrated-pest-management ).
• Do your research before you bring in a non-native landscaping plant.  Some will quietly stay put and look nice; others will spread outside your yard and begin to crowd out nearby native plants.
• If you have exotic pets or fish, please make sure they don’t get loose in the outdoors.  If they reproduce, they can crowd out native animals, lizards, snakes, or fish.