The Insect Effect: Insect Decline and the Future of Our Planet
The number and diversity of insects are declining around the globe due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Without widespread action, many of these important creatures face extinction within the next few decades. By making a few small changes in your life, you can help curb this worldwide problem.
UF Thomson Earth Systems Institue
Grow Insect Friendly Outdoor Spaces
- Diversify
- Plant Natives
- Eliminate or Reduce Pesticides, Herbicides, Fertilizers
- Limit Outdoor Lighting
Join the Crowd, Ban Pesticides
List of Cities Banning Pesticides
More pesticides are in use worldwide than when Rachel Carson wrote "Silent Spring". Pesticides are poisonous, and harmful to humans, birds, and every living organism.
Support Local Ecology
What's wrong with the plants the builder gave you? Do local landscapers support Florida ecology? Check out this presentation from the Florida Wildflower Association. The presenter, Doug Tallamy is a well-known entomologist. He has written two best-selling, award-winning non-fiction books - Bringing Nature Home and Nature's Best Refuge.
Lawn to Wildflowers
This presentation from Florida Wildflowers introduces Dr. Nash Turley and his project, Lawn to Wildflower. Their goal correlates with The VIllages Chapter goal to convert turf to native plants. "The project includes a mobile app that educates users about pollinator natural history and lawn restoration techniques while helping them to find and purchase native plants and seeds. Learn the extent of ecological impacts of lawns in the U.S., as well as the importance of converting lawns to native wildflower meadows."
Trivia Question: Approximate how many species of bees do you estimate there are in North America? The answer is in the video.
A Guide to Restoring the Little Things that Run the World
Susan Griffith, the Manatee County Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Coordinator, talks about why we need native plants in Florida yards. (This is a webinar. The presentation begins after the announcements. Unfortunately, most of the plants she recommends at the end are not for our central Florida area. She enumerates several problems with the turfgrass system.
Native Plants for the Florida Landscape
As development replaces natural habitats, planting gardens, parks, and roadsides with Florida natives can provide a “bridge” to nearby remaining wildlands.
Source: California Native Plant Society (Yes! Everyone is going native, from sea to shining sea.)
Why Native Landscapes are Important
Why Native Landscapes are Important pdf 1.2 MB Download
Ginny is a long-time Florida Native Plant Society Member and contributor. She has spoken to us in The Villages. She has authored several books about using native Florida plants in the landscape. One well-known book is A Step-by-Step Guide to a Florida Native Yard.
Her blog is Green Gardening Really Matters. Here is more about her and the books she has written.
Reduce Pesiticdes, Support Healthy Soil and Plants
Webinar Recording: The Problem with Pesticides
May 25, 2023
Pesticide Action Network
- Benefits of NOT Using Pesticides
- EPA's Record for Approving Pesticides
- Pesticide Companies in US successfully lobby to sell their products
- Glyphosate-based Roundup and non-hodgkin
- Merchants of Poison: How Monsanto Sold the World on a Toxic Pesticide
Support birds. Support pollinators. Encourage biodiversity.
What You Plant is Important
Ecopsychology
Ecopsychology: What is it? Why is it important to you?
Save Water
Once established, many native plants need minimal irrigation beyond normal rainfall.
Low Maintenance
Lower maintenance landscaping methods are a natural fit with native plants that are already adapted to the local environment. Look forward to using less water, little to no fertilizer, little to no pesticides, less pruning, and less of your time and dollars.
Pesticide Freedom
Native plants have developed their own defenses against many pests and diseases. Since most pesticides kill indiscriminately, beneficial insects become secondary targets in the fight against pests. Reducing or eliminating pesticide use lets natural pest control take over and keeps garden toxins out of our wetlands, ponds, and watersheds.
Wildlife Viewing
Native plants, birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, and interesting critters are “made for each other.” Research shows that native wildlife prefers native plants.
AI, Explain Why Turf Grass is Bad for Wildlife
Artificial Intelligence knows that turf grass is bad for wildlife. Do you?
