Habitat

Hello All,

You do not need a yard to grow habitat!

Whether you have a back porch, backyard or back 40, you all can plant native plants. Whether you plant a few plants or seed large areas

you will have the opportunity to attract native insect species. Following will come an array of other wildlife that depend on insects for their

basic diet whether as adults or adults foraging for their young. 

Thus a greater array of you local neighbors will begin showing up in your yard. This will be true in all four seasons. We all have our share of migratory birds depending on species flyways. And we also have a variety of seasonal visitors. 

It is interesting to watch your feeders and plantings. They are reliable weather stations.

Thus give your yard(s) a good look, while asking what natives can I incorporate in my yard. One caveat here is that when you head to the florist

and begin to talk natives, many will try to switch you to the inventory they have on hand. They will say, “I have x and/or y plants and they have 

naturalized well.” What they are saying is – I do not have the native plants you are asking for. That works well for the plant and yes it may not be a native, but it will thrive in your garden. Thus that works for the plant, but does not work for most insects. Most insects are highly specific 

regarding the plants they consume and/or use as a nursery for their offspring.

Remember we do not have to race out to change the entire plant inventory in our pots and yards. Be patient and do it over time.

If you all decide to make this adjustment please do not forget to notify the not-for-profit organizations that track and encourage your

activity.

Thanks, hank

Hank Hohenstein, OFS

Land Steward

161 Osprey Vista

Shady Cove, OR 97539
Cell: 541-973-5442

hankhohenstein@gmail.com

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