It's May and spring is busting out all over! After months of gray skies and wet, chilly days, we can rejoice at the sight of each tender shoot, leaf and bud. With the resurgence of life all around us, it may seem as if the state of the natural
world may not be so bad after all. But, like other things that have negative implications for our well-being, it's easier to think of ecological problems, like loss of habitat and biodiversity, as happening somewhere other than the place you
call home. As much as we humans would like to think of “nature” as being in a place we go to visit on weekends and habitat loss as something we associate with iconic species of wildlife and tall trees, our survival depends on the less
exciting plants and animals that we see every day. It's understandable. Also understandable is the overwhelming sense that there is nothing that anyone can do about it. Now for the good news: there is plenty you can do and if more of us pitch in, we can make a big difference.
What Causes Loss of Biodiversity?
with extinction. Conservation International has designated California as one of 36 places in the world with exceptional numbers of endemic species that are also experiencing high rates of habitat loss. California leads the nation in efforts to protect at-risk species, but very few plants and animals are actually protected. Something else to worry about: recent legislation intended to alleviate the housing crisis mandates a ten-fold increase in the number of single and multiple family homes to be built in the State over the next 8 to 9 years. This may be good news for people but it will bring more challenges to the issue of biodiversity.
Here's What We Can Do
Lose, shrink, or replace turf grass lawns: Those nice, nostalgic carpets of green are thirsty, labor and chemical-intense monocultures that contribute very little to biodiversity and occupy space that could be much better utilized by plants that contribute to biodiversity. If you want to retain traditional green areas, there are species of grass and sedge that make great alternatives. If only turf grass will do, consider “low mow” practices which support insect life.
A note about HOAs: Homeowners Associations can have a lot of say in matters of landscaping and their influence is growing. A US Census Bureau report from 2022 reported that over 80% of new housing is governed by HOAs. Maintaining a neat and tidy landscape, which often includes a traditional lawn, is frequently required by these organizations.
Although this is changing in some areas, it's not in others. If you want to encourage better biodiversity, talk to your neighbors and HOA governing board about the benefits of “messier” landscaping. Improving the health of all organisms that live in the neighborhood is just one.
Plant Natives
Avoid Invasive Plants
For more on California Native Plants:
https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=44224https://resources.ca.gov/-/media/CNRA-Website/Files/Biodiversityday2022/Biodiversity-Fact-Sheet-2022.pdf
https://ucanr.edu/sites/MGsSMSF/California_Native_Gardening/
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Maggie Mah is a UC Master Gardener of San Mateo and San Francisco Counties.
UC Master Gardeners of San Mateo-San Francisco County are volunteers who are trained under the auspices of the University of California to provide science- based information on plants, horticulture, soil, and pest management at no charge to the public. For more information and to find out about classes and events in your area, visit our website where you can also sign up for our newsletter and contact our Helpline: http://smsf-mastergardeners.ucanr.edu/
California native plants such as Ceanothus (“California Lilac”) are hardy, low maintenance and support bees and other insects.
Yarrow is an easy to grow, low maintenance, water thrifty plant that provides food for pollinators. Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolia) is white or cream color.
Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) is a perennial with bristly centers much loved by bees.
