Habitat Haven: Summer Update

Birds and pollinators can’t talk, but we know they are happy about Habitat Haven! Lane Audubon’s answer to biodiversity loss began three months ago as a pilot program of 20 households. We now have 47 enrollments and 7 wonderful volunteers! Responses have been enthusiastic: “Great program!”; “I learned so much!” And our volunteers are equally excited to be helping our community “heal nature one yard at a time.” It is truly wonderful to help folks learn how to transform a dying lawn into welcoming canopy layers of native plants that draw in birds and help nurture them.

Why worry about habitat; aren’t we a bird-oriented organization? Of course, we are passionate about birds! Baby birds need caterpillars, insects, and worms to eat. A good way to ensure that these are available is to grow the plants that sustain butterflies, moths, and other bugs. These are called host plants, nearly all of which are also native plants. Because insects and plants evolved together over millions of years, they thrive best together!

What is a host plant? Just as Monarch Butterfly caterpillars need Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), all butterfly and moth caterpillars eat plant material to grow until they form a chrysalis. In the case of Monarchs, a specific plant is required. They must have milkweed to develop. Many other butterfly and moth species have similar requirements, although some are not as picky. This is why we provide information about host plants on our website.

Some common host plants are: Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Nodding onion (Allium cernuum), Blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp cerulea), Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), and Mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii). Many plants benefit pollinators, both birds and bees!

If you plant them and they are being eaten, this is a good sign! Don’t kill insects just because they are there. Other creatures will eat them.

You can learn more about helping birds and pollinators when you join Lane Audubon’s Habitat Haven Backyard Certification Program. You will also get information about improving soil, identifying invasive plants, conserving water, avoiding pesticides (which kill pollinators), and becoming a wildlife steward.

Why enroll in this program?  We come to your garden and walk with you to learn what you want. We help with advice about specific plants, and site requirements. We provide discount coupons for our supporting native plant nurseries as well as Lane Forest Products. You get a sign to show off your work and commitment. We then follow up in a few months to see how things are going. You have support!

To join the Habitat Haven community of people who care about birds and pollinators, go to: laneaudubon.org/habitat-haven/ To see photos of some of our enrollees and their gardens, check out our Facebook page.

Thank you to Upper Willamette Soil and Water Conservation District, Lane Forest Products, Doak Creek Nursery, and Trillium Nursery for your support! And to our fabulous volunteers!

Barbara Bryson, bbryson150@gmail.com, Habitat Haven’s Backyard Habitat Certification Program Coordinator