Biodiversity[/caption]Samantha Greenbaum------Since the advent of agriculture, human beings have learned to tame the earth's wildness in order to improve the quality of their lives. Once a simple barrier from the elements, shelter is now fortified and climate-controlled for maximum comfort. Trodden paths gave way to highways, bridges, railroads and other forms of infrastructure. Subsistence farming was replaced by manufacturing, retailing and information technology. To make room for and protect these economic advances, forests were cleared, seawalls were erected and wildlife was displaced. Unfortunately, the ecological consequences of such disruptions include soil erosion, air pollution and imbalance in biological populations. These conditions make the land less sustainable, threatening future generations.
The Good News
The good news is that there are ways to provide pleasant, efficient surroundings for homeowners and businesses that minimize environmental damage. For example, the US Department of Agriculture recommends that biodiversity within a property is easily enhanced by the presence of a backyard pond. Anyone with a birdbath knows how a water source attracts various kinds of fauna. The pond can be of modest proportions—perhaps three to four feet in diameter—and can either be a dug-out earthen basin or a large vat or barrel. The addition of aquatic flora and a few fish will attract birds, frogs, butterflies and other species that create a dynamic ecosystem. A pump can be employed to re-circulate the water.
Backyard Environmentalism
In the same vein, a backyard wetland will also attract a variety of plant and animal species. A wetland consisting of grasses and related vegetation is usually referred to as a marsh. If the land is primarily growing shrubs or trees, the wetland is known as a swamp. The sole criterion for wetland classification is for water to cover the soil for at least two to three weeks during the growing season. Frogs, toads and salamanders flourish in wetlands and their proliferation can be tempered by bullfrogs and small fish. Similarly, there is a variety of aquatic insects that will prevent an excess of mosquitoes. Placement of a wetland depends on the size and slope of the property. Clay soils favor slower drainage, but this effect can also be gained through the installation of a plastic liner. Moisture is replenished through runoff from the roof and gutters.
Combating Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is a constant concern on sloped landscapes. The same runoff that feeds a wetland can leech nutrients from soil and deposit sediment in adjacent waterways. One earth-sensitive way of combating this phenomenon is through terracing. Planting gardens at intermittent levels along a slope has the effect of slowing the rate of water flow, allowing moisture to descend into the soil. Gradual inclines may allow for terrace-building with a few pieces of treated wood, whereas sharper slopes might call for bricks or even concrete blocks. Juniper, periwinkle and partridge berry are popular plants used to help reduce soil erosion.
Resources
The US Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency are excellent sources of information on ecological landscaping; each publishes copious amounts of literature in print and online. State environmental agencies also advise residents and businesses about green practices. Closer to home, property owners can consult their in-state cooperative extension service for advice. Originally chartered to provide scientific guidance to farmers, these services expanded to include household management and practical environmental information on gardening and pest management. Headquartered at the state's land-grant university, a cooperative extension service often has satellite offices in every county and provides useful instruction on earth-conscious land management.
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This article was provided by Samantha Greenbaum, earth-conscious mother of two and year-round gardener.
