Musings from your Project Coordinator (PC) - The pulse of life
SICIM Email
24 March 2022
The Pulse of Life
Most of us seem to look forward to seasons and yearn for changes that arrive with the next one. Our souls rejuvenate and we hustle about with different happenings that each one brings. March is roaring in like a lion in my neck of the woods and April showers appear to be upon us, revealing what a blessing nature is. These changes nurture each of our souls and inspire us to pursue various activities throughout the year. This particular season brings more vigorous chores and activities just as the birds are doing now outside my window.
My brain is telling me it’s the season to ensure my land is part of the cycle of life that is bustling about right now. Land management that celebrates the bounty of organisms that live in Indiana. Land management that supports successful nests of bluebirds, chickadees, phoebes and yes, even the red-bellied woodpecker that is battling with me over the territorial use of my gutter. These are all signals that I need to get outside and take care of my land to ensure there is adequate food for birds and other wildlife to raise their young for the year. It takes thousands and thousands of insects to raise just one nest of chickadees so I have my work cut out for me.
Research shows us (and we can observe this if we look) that insects proliferate where native plants are plenty. We brought nonnative plants into our landscapes because they are not eaten or damaged by our native insects. Unfortunately, these pristine gardens and lawns filled with nonnatives are not zones of life. When nonnative plants spread and take over areas outside of our landscapes, they cause even more harm, and are now labeled invasive species. Insects, that feed our birds, salamanders and so many other creatures, that need local flora are then surrounded by plants they cannot eat. If we choose to use native plants in our landscapes, our cherished personal spaces become livable landscapes that support life, likely supporting life on levels we cannot see or even understand. This knowledge inspires me to get out outside, remove invasive plants and see how much life my land can support; to know that I and my actions are not part of the problem, but are part of a bountiful future and part of the planet as it was designed.
Happy Spring Everyone. Let’s get out there and work like it means something because it does, our work means life (or death) for many.
Don’t forget to check out our resources on our website (www.sicim.info), sign up for a free landowner survey and participate or host a Weed Wrangle®. I guarantee you will have fun and feel invigorated knowing you are working alongside so many others for your benefit as well as your favorite wildlife.
Together - Let’s do this!