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Choosing native plants to restore backyard wildlife habitats
HIRAM — “Bringing Nature Home,” a joint presentation by the Hiram Historical Society and Soldiers Memorial Library, will be held Saturday June 10, at 1:30 p.m. at the library, 85 Main St. The Historical Society business meeting will precede the program at 1 p.m.
Maine’s landscape has changed dramatically with negative effects on birds, bats and bees needed to pollinate our crops, keep pests at bay and entertain us with their beauty and antics. Gardens, yards, neighborhoods and towns are playing increasingly critical roles in supporting native food webs for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. With an overall focus on Maine’s birds and their habitats, Eric Topper, director of education at Maine Audubon Society, will present what plants to choose and how to manage and maintain gardens for their full ecological function and benefit. Topper will also discuss the large selection of beautiful native flowers, shrubs and trees that can be incorporated into yards to attract and support a multitude of birds, butterflies and other interesting native wildlife.
“Bringing Nature Home” is Maine Audubon’s new community engagement initiative focused on restoring native plants and wildlife food webs; it is based on the book of that title by Doug Tallamy. At its heart, this project is about restoring native plants, shrubs and trees as well as the native genetic biodiversity. Whether on an apartment balcony, a backyard, a park or large woodland, some of the simplest planting and maintenance choices people make can have a profound impact on the local food web. We need pollinators to help produce our food just as our state bird, the black-capped chickadee, needs thousands of caterpillars to fledgling chicks.
Topper has more than 20 years of experience teaching and managing environmental education programs for all ages. He has been in Maine since 2002, working to advance numerous initiatives to teach and inspire both social and environmental responsibility. He is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School and a licensed Maine guide. Topper and his young family live in Portland.
The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided, and donations are welcome. For more information, call 207-625-4762 or 207-625-4650.
