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Disappearing habitat is a problem worldwide. Most endangered species have that status because of habitat loss. Two thirds of the world�s forests are already gone. In NC, over 75,000 acres of rural land is developed every year. That�s 75,000 acres of habitat that is converted to parking lots, malls, and suburban neighborhoods. Most people feel helpless when it comes to saving the rain forest, but there are so many things that you can do right in your own backyard, and community, to create wildlife habitat and make a big difference. There are some small changes that a homeowner can make that will make a big difference. Some of them actually save time and money.
1. Stop using pesticides - they not only kill the bad critters, but also poison bees and butterflies, as well as birds and other animals whose diet consists of insects. 2. Plant native plants and trees - this re-establishes the local ecosystem. These plants have already adapted to this climate, and the native wildlife have already adapted to these plants. They are more drought resistant, and generally easier to grow. 3. Reduce or eliminate fertilizer use. If you must use chemical fertilizers, be sure to closely follow the directions on the bag � using more fertilizer than directed will not help your plants grow any more, and will pollute local waterways. Begin a compost pile to create your own organic fertilizer. 4. Let one tenth of your yard grow wild - you will be amazed at what the wind and birds will plant in your yard. 5. Reduce the amount of turf, and increase the size and diversity of flower beds. Turf grass is a high maintenance crop requiring lots of water, fertilizer, and labor and has very little wildlife value. A diversity of plans attracts a diversity of wildlife (Images provided by SCWF.)
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