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When we read the many articles circulating this week about making resolutions, we learn that we should think about big goals and break them into smaller ones. At Journeywork, we are aiming for "local landscapes repaired and flourishing with beauty and life" and a "climate-resilient society" according to our vision statement. Very big. And we get there with "people outside talking to each other while they put plants in the ground." Very doable.
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As you think about what you will do to heal the earth in 2023, Journeywork is here to help you connect with other people who want to do the same. You can volunteer to plant trees and shrubs in a neighbor's yard or invite Journeywork volunteers to help you plant a pollinator garden in your own yard. We are also here to make it as easy and joyful as possible. It is an inch by inch, row by row, gonna make our garden grow kind of thing. It all adds up to acres--more acres of healthy habitat for all of us!
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Reading for spring
Winter is the best time to dig into all those books you heard about over the summer. I am currently enjoying The Humane Gardener by Nancy Lawson, whose sister, Janet Crouch, was recently in The New York Times for challenging her HOA and winning the right to grow less lawn. Lawson's book is not so much a how-to guide as it is a gentle and compelling argument for all that a natural yard can offer wildlife, full of inspiring examples from yards around the country.
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Doug Tallamy makes this case, too, in all of his books. He focuses on insects because he is an entomologist, but his writing is very approachable, laced with wonder and humor. If planting a tree is one of your resolutions this year, The Nature of Oaks might convince you to choose an oak, which supports more wildlife than any other North American tree.
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If your reading inspires you to start making plans for your yard (or your office yard, school yard, or church yard), and you want some on-the-ground advice, Journeywork is happy to come take a look.
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Where to begin
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There are many online resources for helping landowners make their yards more wildlife-friendly. One that I have recently learned of and recommend is healthyyards.org, which provides excellent step-by-step information, including a checklist of the ten most important steps to take for a yard that supports more insects and birds, toads and salamanders. You can also check out the resources on our website for other useful links and local nurseries.
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Resolve to add new plants to your life...
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Plant some ingredients for pizza and salad. Plant an apple tree. Plant herbs for tea that also please the bees. Add more food for you and other creatures. Let us know how we can help and let us know if you want to help others as we put more plants in the ground in 2023.
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Follow us on social...
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