Native plants and other things birds look for in the landscape, and why they need to be there.
Many property owners and landscapers want to help the planet by adding Native plants to their managed landscapes, but there can be some concern – certain Native plants can look downright sloppy, which makes some of our two-legged neighbors rather unhappy. Then again, it really doesn't have to be that way. If well-mannered native plants with excellent habitat services are chosen, we can have both esthetically pleasing properties, and excellent environmental services
Sadly, because of habitat loss, climate change and other issues, which are covered in the presentation, our wildlife numbers are in steep decline. By using our landscapes, we can help our wild aerial and terrestrial neighbors increase their numbers. Becoming a good environmental steward by designing and installing eco-friendly, attractive, environmentally functional landscapes can help restore balance and create safe harbors for wildlife in otherwise sterile locations. By blending aesthetics and ecology, with thoughtful consideration toward plant selection, habitat factors and gardening practices, landscapes that are both attractive and environmentally functional can be created. Please bring any questions, your curiosity, and an open mind.
Topics covered:
The necessity for native plant usage
Ecosystem services that plants provide
The importance of choosing plants with excellent ecosystem value
Healthy an sustainable landscape practices – how to handle issues until nature balances them
Steps for the Future: Creating habitat, education, outreach, and advocacy
Joyann Cirigliano is Senior Coordinator of Bird-friendly Communities at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center, and is a Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional and a Certified Wildlife Landscaping Professional. She is past president of Four Harbors Audubon Society on Long Island.