Saving Our Pollinators...A Wake-up Call...

A little over a year ago, our daughter Eileen, lost her battle with ovarian cancer, a terrible disease, that claimed her life in a few short but agonizing months. She was brilliant, funny, and in love with the natural world. It is in her memory that "The Pollinator Gardens at Kastle McKenney" were created. That being said, we continue to speak to the devastation caused by the use of chemical agents into our ecosystem and share non chemical, gardening solutions. The plight of all of our pollinators; insects, birds or mammals rest in our actions.  Pollinator friendly practices in just one garden and/or habitat, are the first steps to rebuilding a healthy environment for ourselves and future generations. We believe in the power of one...at a time...that soon grows to be many.

Our small piece of land is a Wildlife Federation Habitat, Bird Friendly Zone and 2018 will mark our first attempt at native beekeeping. In addition to maintaining our own gardens and property, we will encourage other community members to turn away from the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and eliminate the purchase and/or use of any plants or gardening supplies that contain or have been treated with neonicotinoids. In addition, our goal will be to plant natives whenever possible and raise awareness that some hybrid and GMO nursery and garden center offerings although very beautiful and appealing to the eye, produce no nectar or pollen, rendering them useless to the survival of our pollinators. 

And, for today in case you are wondering...the following information was taken from a post by Crown Bees, The Press Democrat writer stated that:

"Neonicotinoids are a group of insecticides that have been, and are being used by gardeners, farmers and professional landscapers. They are supposed to protect plants from sap-sucking and leaf-chewing insects. Neonicotinoids are systemic, which means they are absorbed by the plant, and are spread throughout all parts of the plant, including the nectar and pollen.

Unfortunately, bees, butterflies, and other flower-visiting insects are harmed by them and have been identified as a factor in overall pollinator declines. These systemic insecticides cause entire plants, including pollen and fruit, to become toxic to pollinators. They also are slow to break down in the environment. A large and growing body of independent science links neonicotinoids to catastrophic bee declines.

What is extremely alarming is that these products are readily available at garden centers and nurseries and sold to the home gardener". 

Based on my own past experiences as a gardener, purchases were often made solely on the beauty of a flower, shrub, plant or tree. I trusted the seller to provide healthy additions to my gardens or patio. Through knowledge and a keener awareness of dangers that may be present, we must always ask questions and read labels. It is our responsibility as good stewards to know what we are bringing home and how it will impact all those who inhabit our space.

This is my soapbox, one on which I am very comfortable, thank you for reading my thoughts, I hope that you will be inspired to "be one" who makes a difference and that you might return here again...perhaps to find a worthwhile gardening tip. Be kind to each other and remember...within your reach, you are responsible.

Help Me When I'm In Trouble...But, Please Don't Kidnap Me

Gazing out at a fresh blanket of winter white makes it somewhat difficult to imagine that spring flowers and baby birds are just a moment away. I‘ve already seen the daffodils peeking up through last year’s mulch, and watched the buds on the cherry trees start to swell in anticipation of warmer days to come. Although our winter birds still linger, and, will be here a bit longer, the arrival of large flocks of Robins is a sure sign that winter’s departure and spring’s much longed for arrival cannot be far away.

Our comical little year round resident’s, the Carolina Wrens, have already begun their exploration of nesting possibilities in our garage. It seems a favorite spot for them, in spite of the constant flurry of activity; dogs coming and going, up with the garage door, down with the garage door, start the tractor, back it out, bring it in, grab some tools, and so it goes… from before dawn until late in the evening. Still…these amazing, winged creatures, continue to nest, raise there families, and fledge their young….adapting to this space we both share. It’s certainly not the preferred location, and we do our best to discourage new nest building, but, once it’s there and filled with eggs or babies, we are bound by our love of, and, respect for nature to do what we are able to help ensure the environment they have chosen, remains as safe and non threatening as possible. So…for the time being, the garage door remains open, the tractor is parked outside, and, the dogs only go out on leash…we, however, will continue to move freely through this shared space. Our little visitors, not bothered by our presence, sit watchful as we come and go, waiting for the next offering of a few choice morsels.

Every year, thousands of baby birds and animals are kidnapped by well meaning individuals who believe them to be orphaned or in danger. The reality is that many are just exploring their world and learning the lessons and behavior they will need to survive and thrive in their natural environment. Knowledge of bird and animal behaviors is the key to truly helping these wild babies. Humans without the proper training should never try to raise baby songbirds or animals. Many that are taken from the wild do not survive because each species has specific dietary needs and learns it normal behavior from members of its own kind. Imagine being taken from the world you are learning to live in by some "thing" who cannot communicate with you, doesn't know what to feed you and you view as a predator. Pretty scary, by anyone’s standards. The truth is birds and animals can die from stress alone.

Working to thoughtfully fashion safe neighborhood habitats, learning and teaching others about the many birds, mammals, and reptiles that live within our reach, and speaking out on their behalf seems more a privilege than an obligation. The opportunities to help are endless, and the need far greater than many might imagine. Sharing knowledge, challenging others to consider the consequences of their actions, or lack thereof, and taking action when others might look away, is truly the responsibility of those who would claim a bond with the wild world.

Spring is coming, baby birds and baby animals are on their way. Will they need our help? Maybe…maybe not. The trick… as I am learning… is to know the difference between when help is needed, and when it’s simply time to walk away. A baby bird or animal allowed to explore his natural world, uninterrupted by human intervention, will be taught by parents, siblings and others of his own species the lessons and skills needed, not only to survive, but, thrive in their world as nature intended. Do we help when babies (and adults for that matter) are threatened by domestic animals or predator species or humans…of course, should we try and put tiny babies back into nests….of course. There are many ways that each of us can make a difference in the outcome of a baby’s life. It just takes knowledge, caring and observation, the tools you will need to make the right call…help or walk away.

As spring quickly approaches and we share the wait, for daffodils, new arrivals and warmer breezes, I encourage you to reflect on the beauty of the coming season and consider what actions you might take to make our world, a kinder, safer, place for nature’s new ones. Your yard, your family, your neighborhood...what better place to start? I wish you Bluebirds, regards, Sandy