Natural environments are biologically rich and diverse with millions of different living things, from microscopic soil bacteria to large predators, all working together to create strongly woven, resilient and dynamic systems that make human existence possible. These natural systems are also resistant to disaster because the sheer volume of life they support and their dynamic nature make them able to bounce back from difficult conditions whether it be drought or changing climactic conditions. However, biodiversity around the world is being eroded. As more land is developed, put into agricultural use, mined and used as garbage dumps, as our oceans are over-fished and contaminated, as human populations increase, gobbling up more land and resources, these biodiverse systems are becoming increasingly threatened. Today, a third of all amphibians, a fifth of all mammals and an eighth of all birds are threatened with exinction.
This may seem like an overwhelming problem but there many things you can do in your daily life and in your own backyard to restore, enhance and protect biodiversity. Here's some suggestions followed by a number of resources:
1. Plant Native Trees, Shrubs and Flowers
Native plants evolve over thousands of years with our native wildlife and they support each other. For example, our native white oak tree feeds almost 500 species from the smallest caterpillars (that feed our songbirds) to squirrels and black bear. By contrast, the widely planted, non-native, invasive Norwary Maple feeds two species. Norway Maples also produce a large number of seeds and can out-compete our native trees, taking over our woodlands thereby killing the biodiversity of our forests. Forsythia is another example. A non-native species, it doesn't feed a single native creature whereas the serviceberry, a large shrub/small tree produces flowers in the spring attracting pollinators and berries in the fall that feed dozens of species of native birds. When landscaping, choose native trees, shrubs and flowers that support our native wildlife (see lists below).
2. Don't Plant Non-Native Invasives
Many plants brought to North America from Europe, Asia and other parts of the globe are now causing major problems in our area. For instance, buckthorn a tough shrub brought from Europe to make fences around animal pens is now spreading around North America and through Oakville's woodlands dsiplacing native species of trees that would provide much greater environmental benefit in terms of pollution reduction, storm water abatement, shade, wildlife food etc. Oakvillegreen has been to many natural areas in our community where non-native invasives like garlic mustard, honeysuckle, periwinkle and English Ivy among many others, are chocking out desirable native species like Trilliums, dogwood, Jewel Weed etc. Despite information about the harm caused by non-native invasives, many continue to be sold by garden centres. For information on what not to buy and suitable substitutes please click on the resource on invasive plants below.
3. Learn The Best Way To Plant Trees and Shrubs
Increase the Chance of Survival for your trees and shrubs by learning how to plant them prpoperly and care for them, especially during the first critical years. See our Tree Brochure below.
4. Welcome Wildlife Into Your Garden
Please click on Wildlife under our main menu and download our wildlife brochure.
5. Commit To Planting As Many Native Trees And Shrubs As Possible Over Your Lifetime
Trees are a gift we give to future generations. If we don't plant them, what kind of world will our children inherit? Â Plant them on your property. Join community tree plantings. Encourage your children's school, your church, temple, mosque, the company you work for, the stores you shop at to plant their grounds. Give to organizations that plant trees.
This may seem like an overwhelming problem but there many things you can do in your daily life and in your own backyard to restore, enhance and protect biodiversity. Here's some suggestions followed by a number of resources:
1. Plant Native Trees, Shrubs and Flowers
Native plants evolve over thousands of years with our native wildlife and they support each other. For example, our native white oak tree feeds almost 500 species from the smallest caterpillars (that feed our songbirds) to squirrels and black bear. By contrast, the widely planted, non-native, invasive Norwary Maple feeds two species. Norway Maples also produce a large number of seeds and can out-compete our native trees, taking over our woodlands thereby killing the biodiversity of our forests. Forsythia is another example. A non-native species, it doesn't feed a single native creature whereas the serviceberry, a large shrub/small tree produces flowers in the spring attracting pollinators and berries in the fall that feed dozens of species of native birds. When landscaping, choose native trees, shrubs and flowers that support our native wildlife (see lists below).
2. Don't Plant Non-Native Invasives
Many plants brought to North America from Europe, Asia and other parts of the globe are now causing major problems in our area. For instance, buckthorn a tough shrub brought from Europe to make fences around animal pens is now spreading around North America and through Oakville's woodlands dsiplacing native species of trees that would provide much greater environmental benefit in terms of pollution reduction, storm water abatement, shade, wildlife food etc. Oakvillegreen has been to many natural areas in our community where non-native invasives like garlic mustard, honeysuckle, periwinkle and English Ivy among many others, are chocking out desirable native species like Trilliums, dogwood, Jewel Weed etc. Despite information about the harm caused by non-native invasives, many continue to be sold by garden centres. For information on what not to buy and suitable substitutes please click on the resource on invasive plants below.
3. Learn The Best Way To Plant Trees and Shrubs
Increase the Chance of Survival for your trees and shrubs by learning how to plant them prpoperly and care for them, especially during the first critical years. See our Tree Brochure below.
4. Welcome Wildlife Into Your Garden
Please click on Wildlife under our main menu and download our wildlife brochure.
5. Commit To Planting As Many Native Trees And Shrubs As Possible Over Your Lifetime
Trees are a gift we give to future generations. If we don't plant them, what kind of world will our children inherit? Â Plant them on your property. Join community tree plantings. Encourage your children's school, your church, temple, mosque, the company you work for, the stores you shop at to plant their grounds. Give to organizations that plant trees.
