February 2024’s average temperature was the second warmest since Missouri started keeping records in 1895. Each year I record in my journal the date I first hear spring peepers. They are the earliest species of Missouri frogs and toads to become vocal. Males begin calling to attract females. This year I heard them calling on February 2 which is the earliest I have ever heard them call. Within the past three weeks I have seen two species of butterflies, some moths, flies and bees fluttering around in sunny areas. In our woods, Pileated woodpeckers are drumming on trees establishing territories. Many bird species are becoming more vocal as they also declare territories. We have bluebirds building nests in some of our boxes and activity around others. Two weeks ago there were three woodcocks in the woods behind our house. On our glade area, and in our native plant flower gardens, many plants have emerged. It will soon be time to plant flowers and gardens.
The Journal of Biological Conservation suggests 40% of all insect species are in serious decline and some have diminished by as much as 75%. Almost all of our native bird species are also in decline, some perilously so. As sad as the situation is we can make a difference. I strongly recommend (implore you) to consider planting native plants around your house, gardens and property.
Insects are extremely important in all food webs. A mere 1% of insects react with humans in a negative way. The other 99% pollinate plants, return tied up nutrients in dead plants and animals to the soil, keep populations of insect herbivores in check, aerate the soil and provide food either directly or indirectly for most other animals (including man). For example, 96% of all terrestrial bird species rely on insects to feed their young. Pound for pound insects provide more protein than beef.
You don’t have to have good soil for native plants. Kim and I have established two native flower gardens by our house. One is 15’x24’ and the other is 8’x10’. We also have native plants around our house. Our soil is so poor and rocky (we do live in Benton County!) we often have to use a crowbar to plant. The only time we water natives is when we first plant them. We never use fertilizer or chemicals and they thrive. Also, put native plants around your garden. They attract insects that pollinate your vegetables which increases production.
By using native plants you not only help sustain our native wildlife species, both flora and fauna, but plants native to where they evolved have morphological adaptations that make them much easier to grow.
You can find a native plant of almost any color or height requiring anywhere from full sun to full shade that will not only look beautiful and enhance your property but will also benefit many other native species.
Wouldn’t it be great to have native plantings up and down your street or in your neighborhood. Take a little spot (or more), get your kids or grandkids involved to plant some native plants that attract other native species. Help them learn about nature and sustainability. After all, it’s their world we are supposed to be taking care of.
The Missouri Prairie Foundation has a wonderful “Grow Native” program which is a great source of information of the benefits and how to obtain and grow native plants. Check out www.grownative.org. You can get a free online catalog from Merv Wallace who owns Missouri Wildflowers nursery near Jefferson City that shows pictures of each plant, colors, height and sun to shade requirements and planting tips @mowildflowers.net.
"Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives." -Thomas Berry
