The urgency of this subject of Native plants and pollinators, weighs heavily on us as a community but the good news is that one person (as well as a community) can impact nature in a positive way, change course and influence the look and effect of nature for the future…10, 20, 30 and more years from now as studied and stated by Dr. Doug Tallamy (Bringing Nature Home).
Why plant Native Plants? The importance of Native Plants (Native Plants for Accomack and Northampton; Bringing Nature Home) is to help to support a diverse and balanced ecosystem. This creates a food web that supports all ecosystems (including birds, hummingbirds, insects, butterflies, pollinators and other various wildlife) which in turn support humans growing food and vegetables. Imagine the immediate impact one person would have on supporting/sustaining wildlife by planting a Native Plant in a yard or in a pot outside.
What is a pollinator? According to Oxford dictionary, a pollinator is anything that helps move pollen from one part of the flower to another female part of the flower. This action helps fertilize the plant to promote seeds, fruits and new plants. Bees are well known for pollinating, in addition, butterflies, flies, moths, wasps and beetles can also pollinate. Birds, bats and other small mammals, as well as lizards can help with pollination.
Importance of Native plants are discussed in the Native plants for Accomack and Northampton, June 2024 resource book that states that “our native plants and animals have evolved together, they support each other, and we enjoy the beauty and fruits of their labor”.
Just to highlight this important fact, according to Dr. Tallamy (Bringing Nature Home), he speaks to trees: “Native Oaks: support 950 species of native caterpillars, while non-native Butterfly Bush supports only one”. This supports his point that “not all plants are of equal value to wildlife and nature prefers native plants”. So in the food web, Caterpillars are the primary source for the nest, which researched (Bringing Nature Home) shows 96% of all bird species depend on this.
It’s been proven that planting even a small area of native plants will support dozens of ecosystems and food web. One person can make a difference! Local teams of support are available and working together in the community. (see resources)
There is a quote from Chief Seattle (1854) as true now as then:
“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect”.
References and Resources:
VA Tech Extension Offices/Accomack and Northampton Co.
Master Gardeners of the Eastern Shore
Master Naturalist of the Eastern Shore
Local Nurseries/Parks/Gardens
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
www.PlantVirginiaNatives.org/Plant-ES-Native
“Bringing Nature Home” How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Douglas W. Tallamy
This article encourages all of us. It’s a reminder that our effort at home influence the world. Thank you Joni.