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A TOUCH OF NATURE
June 15, 2002 Issue
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DONNA'S COMMENTS
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Let's look at Nature around the world. Sometimes we are only thinking of our own backyard, but we need to be aware of what's going on in other parts of the globe.

According to an article appearing in the current issue of the journal, Nature, MARINE ORGANISMS ARE STRAYING from their normal habitats by catching rides on sea-borne trash.

Marine organisms have always traveled from place to place via natural debris such as floating wood and pumice, but now the vehicle of choice seems to be plastic. In the old method, species couldn't get very far before the natural debris disintegrated, but traveling by almost indestructible plastic, they can colonize ecosystems thousands of miles from home.

Nomadic organisms pose a threat to native plants and animals, especially in Antarctica, where species are already being compromised by warmer temperatures. Read the whole story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1948000/1948714.stm

I joined this program and got my binder and CD yesterday! I'm excited since I've got forest in my back yard. This is a citizen-science project of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the USDA Forest Service that links volunteer birders and professional biologists in a study of the habitat requirement of North American forest birds. It's fun! It's free! It's easy online! Read more about it: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/bfl

YELLOW JACKETS

Although they can be a nuisance, yellow jackets and other wasps are actually very beneficial in the garden. They feed on grasshoppers, flies, caterpillars and aphids. You might even get a chance to watch as they feed on newly emerged sphinx moths. They will first eat the wings and eventually consume the entire moth. Sphinx moths, also known as hummingbird moths, are fun to watch in early evenings when they feed on flower nectar, but the eggs they lay hatch into the infamous tomato and tobacco hornworms, which damage garden crops.

The insects can become aggressive in years when there is an abundance. If anybody is stung, everyone should go inside because the wasps release an alarm scent that prompts others to sting.

Natural Solution:
If you must, you can trap yellow jackets with a homemade trap made by drilling 3/8" holes in a plastic two-liter bottle, then baiting it with 10% molasses and water, a pinch of yeast, and a few drops of dish detergent.

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CHARACTER QUALITIES IN NATURE
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CLEANLINESS: The Beaver

The beaver spends much time to maintain good grooming and cleanliness. Two techniques are used - one "built in" and one acquired. The first technique involves its "louse catching" claws. These claws located on the two inner toes, are like combs. The combs are specialized - one for coarse combing, the other for fine. Running these claws through its fur, the beaver rakes out harmful parasites and untangles snarls which would slow down its streamlined speed in water.

These claws also aid the beaver in waterproofing its coat as it redistrubutes the natural oils by repeated combing. At the base of the tail are two glands which provide the animal with additional oils. When a beaver leaves the water, it spends much time wiping, combing and waterproofing its fur.

The second, acquired technique, is the beaver's unconventional way of taking a bath to rid itself of fleas and parasites. It ambles about, looking for a particular mound of earth. Once it is found, it flops on top of it and begins to shuffle in a sprawled position. Soon ants are crawling all over its thick fur, scurrying about, eating annoying parasites. A great example of mutual beneficial co-existence in nature!

Because it maintains such a vigorous program of cleanliness and good grooming, the beaver is remarkably free from parasites which plague less fastidious animals.

Source: Character Sketches, Vol. I, Institute in Basic Life Principles
http://www.iblp.com/resources/books/b002-cs.html

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GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE- Restoring the Balance
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BACKYARD CONSERVATION FOR BIRDS

Most of us who love birds are well aware of the dramatic decline of some species due to pesticides, towers, and habitat loss, fragmentation, or degradation.

Conservationists are seeking more sophisticated solutions, since setting aside preserves here and there have proven insufficient. Conservation of entire ecosystems and landscapes is now taken into consideration. The forest products industry has become a partner in the East. Support of the ranchers is needed in the West.

In the complexity of this, we concerned citizens want to know what we can do to make a difference. Here are some ideas:

1. Plan your yard for diversity. Grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees that mimic natural areas where you live. Use native species. Birds know these best and they are most likely to thrive even in drought conditions. That conserves water too.

2. Allow the "back 40" of your yard to be a bit scruffy. Birds like overgrown grass, weeds, brush piles, wood piles and dead wood on the ground.. Share this idea with your neighbors and create a "greenway" for wildlife in your neighborhood.

3. You can help the long-distance migrant birds you love by donating old binoculars and scopes to Latin American scientists and educators. You can do so at your local Wild Bird Center or Wild Bird Crossing. Check your phone book.

4. On rainy days or at bedtime, take time to learn about birds through books, tapes and the Internet.

5. Drink shade-grown coffee. Read more about how this helps birds:

6. Join a local bird club and conservation groups.

7. PLEASE consider non-toxic pesticides for the benefit of birds, wildlife, children, and pets.

8. Keep your cat indoors. Well-fed cats kill birds and have a full enough tummy to stalk the feeders. Your cat will be healthier also indoors.

Source: Wild Bird News - Vol. XIII, No.5

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"GREEN" INFO- Making It a Way of Life!
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TIPS FOR LAWN & GARDEN

Remember that anything applied to your lawn or garden can wash down storm drains, or seep into groundwater. Therefore, it is extremely important to make sure that whatever you apply to your lawn is safe for the environment. * Don't add anything to your lawn or garden until you have your soil tested for acidity and fertility. This can be done through your county agricultural extension service or by purchasing a kit at your local garden center.

* Aerate your soil and remove dead organics by raking. This produces a stronger lawn and reduces the need to use fertilizers or pesticides.

* Use organic fertilizers to condition the soil. Chemical fertilizers (which may run off lawns into waterways) produce chemically-dependent lawns which require more and more chemicalsto remain healthy. Some brand name organic fertilizers are: Espoma, Earthworks, Ringer, Lawn King, Fertell, Earth-Rite, and Sustain. For a greener lawn, natural source of nitrogen, such as composted manure, bloodmeat, and cottonseed meal, can be used.

* Don't over-fertilize your lawn. Over-fertilized grass roots become lazy and remain near the surface, where they require more water and are more exposed to extremes in weather. Bone-meal and rock phosphate will aid in building strong roots.

* Plant drought-tolerant grass seeds. Cultivate and mulch your gardens to help retain moisture and keep weed growth down. Water only when the soil is dry, but water thoroughy to encourage deeper root growth, which reduces the need for excessive watering. Garden centers sell water meters which indicate when water is needed. To discourage disease, water in the morning so that lawns and plants will be dry by evening. * Mow high, mow often. Mowing high and often reduces stress on grass and helps retain moisture which shades out weeds and keeps soil cool. Mow without a bag and leave your grass clippings, which will fertilize naturally and shade the soil.

* Start a compost pile. Excessive grass clippings, leaves, weeds, kitchen waste, ect. can all be used to create a nutrient rich fertilizer to till into gardens.

* Avoid using chemical pesticides. Pesticides may run-off into waterways, kill beneficial insects, and are long-lasting. Large insects (e.g. Japanese beetles) can be hand picked from gardens and dispatched in soapy water or alcohol (don't use gasoline or other toxics). Biological non-toxic controls are available at graden centers.

* Avoid lawn services that use chemicals. Run-off from these chemicals contribute to pointless pollution. Furthermore, despite lawn companies' claims that treared areas are safe after 24 hours, dangerous pesticides remain well after application.

* Plant trees. They contribute oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, reduce erosion, and give shade.

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BOOK REVIEW
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SIMPLER LIVING, COMPASSIONATE LIFE: A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

In a rare collection of voices, Henri Nouwen, Cecile Andrews, Richard Foster and others examine how voluntary simplicity can enrich your path to wholeness and abundance. Contemplative readings blend with practical suggestions to encourage you on the journey. It's a great book for discussion, so it includes a study guide, in the back of the book, for a life-changing four-, six- or eight-week course for groups or individuals.

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CREATION IN THE BIBLE
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Job 5:23 and 12:8
For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field:
and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee....
Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee.

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MUSINGS: POETRY & PROSE
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"God lives in the beauty
that comes with spring -
The colorful flowers,
the birds that sing."
Helen Steiner Rice

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GOOD NEWS ABOUT OUR PLANET
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SMELLS LIKE TEAM SPIRIT

Imagine a Tupperware party, but for the tree-hugging set. That's the vision, sort of, of Global Action Plan, a nonprofit organization that is promoting the formation of EcoTeams, grassroots groups dedicated to helping neighbors create sustainable lifestyles and livable communities. The teams, which are currently in eight cities around the country, meet every other week for three or four months to discuss how to do their part for Mom Earth..

The program is based on the theory of social diffusion, which holds that people need four months to change a habit and populations need 15 percent involvement to create a social movement. Last year, households participating in EcoTeams in Columbus, Ohio, cut their average garbage by 41 percent and saved $291 through waste reduction and energy conservation. One participant, Robin Wigney, said being part of a group made people feel more accountable for their actions, while the support system and shared information made it easier to make environmentally friendly choices: "The biggest hurdle in participating in this program is finding ways to make it convenient in your household -- because the way our culture works, it's got to be convenient."

Program Info - Become Part of an EcoTeam:
http://www.globalactionplan.org/Files/EcoTeam.htm

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DISCLAIMER:
The content, suggestions, and web links in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and not necessarily endorsed our sponsor "The Herbs Place.com" This is a personal publication by Donna Watkins. The ideas and information expressed in it have not been approved or authorized by anyone either explicitly or impliedly. In no event shall Donna Watkins or "The Herbs Place.com" be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of this information or its publication, including any action for infringement of copyright or defamation.

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