While we often think about Earth Day as a single day of action to focus on the larger environment, we can, in fact, celebrate Earth Day every day, right in our own backyards. Every day we interact with the ecosystem, whether in our yard, neighborhood, or larger community, and we can nurture these spaces without ever leaving home.
Be Neighborly
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Keep your trash indoors, and away from your wild neighbors © iStock.com |
After a long, hard winter, wild animals are active, hungry, and a little bit desperate. So they're more likely to interact with humans. There are a number of things you can do to make things easier both for you and them:
- Clean barbecue grills or bring them indoors.
- Cover compost piles.
- Stop feeding birds or suspend feeders at least 10 feet above the ground.
- Don't leave trash outside.
- Don't feed pets outside, and don't leave pets alone outside, especially in the evening.
- Be cautions of animals while driving, especially around dawn and dusk. If one animal is crossing the road, others will probably follow.
So Long, Lawn
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Let your turf revert to a native meadow. © The HSUS |
Aside from
Canada geese and some
other well-adapted critters, lawns offer little habitat to our wild neighbors, who are already at a disadvantage in our urbanizing world.
Fortunately, there are an array of well-designed lawn alternatives that both look great and are friendly to the animals. Try these on for size:
- Beds of native nectar, berry, and seed-producing plants favored by wild animals
- A meadow on a portion of your property
- A water feature, such as a small pond
- Shelter for wildlife, such as brush or rock piles in a corner of your yard
- Drought-tolerant plants ("xeriscaping") in dry parts of the country
Injured, orphaned, or perfectly fine?
Many wild animals are born during the spring and summer months. But spotting a baby animal by himself doesn't necessarily mean he's an orphan, because many wildlife parents leave their young alone during the day—sometimes for long periods. While most are ok, there are some who can fall victim to predators while mom and dad are away. Here are some general signs to look for to determine if an animal needs your help...
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| This fawn could be mistaken for an orphan, but he is not. ©USFWS |
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A wild animal presented to you by a cat or dog
An animal who is bleeding
An animal with an apparent or obvious broken limb
A featherless or nearly featherless bird (nestling) on the ground
An animal who is shivering
Evidence of a dead parent nearby
For more tips on what to do when you find baby wildlife, click here»
Xeriscaping: Water-wise Gardening
If you're a resident of a naturally arid region of the country or one of the many areas devastated by drought conditions in recent years, chances are you're already well versed in water conservation practices around your home and yard. Using xeriscaping principals transform your property into a thriving, lush garden that saves water, time, money and the environment. You can start by:
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| A completely natural "lawn." © Allysia Angus |
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Considering regional weather patterns and the physical characteristics of your property to make the smart plant choices and maximize water conservation.
Taking a sample of your for testing to local agricultural extension office to get an idea of which plants are best suited for your plot.
Reducing lawn size or replace your lawn with drought tolerant grass or ground cover to save time, energy and water.
Covering your soil with several inches of mulch to curb evaporation, reduce soil temperature, limit weed growth and slow erosion.
For more information on xeriscaping, click here»
