Diversify your landscape
Photo by Dana Kromer.
Human landscapes have replaced much of the natural world—95% of nature has been turned in to cities and suburbs (54%) and farmland (41%).* Since birds and other wildlife rely on native plants for food, shelter and nesting habitat, they are increasingly dependent on humans to provide those resources.
Why are diverse native landscapes important to nature? If you think about it, woodlands aren’t made up of one species of flower or tree, and your yard shouldn’t be either. Native plants and animals have co-evolved over time and rely on each other for pollination, food, reproduction and survival. Diversity is required to maintain the needs of all the different species in the local food web so they can survive.
Because native plants have evolved here and are adapted to the growing conditions, they generally require less care and attention while providing a great ecological benefit.
* From “Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens,” by Douglas Tallamy.
