by Ginger Baer
A
new study shows 41 percent of insect species have seen steep declines in the
past decade, with similar drops forecast for the near future. It is estimated
that 40 percent of the 30 million or so insect species on earth are now
threatened with extinction. The causes are not surprising, and have all been on
the radar for decades. Deforestation, agricultural expansion and human sprawl
top the list. The wide use of pesticides and fertilizer as well as industrial
pollution are also taking massive tolls. Invasive species, pathogens and
climate change are also getting punches in.[1]
‘Why
is this such a big deal?’ you might ask, ‘I don’t need pesky mosquitoes all
over me’… ‘Who needs those ants anyways?’… ‘Besides, those bugs are making a
mess out of my garden. They make holes in my flowers’ leaves, and they mess
with my lettuce and make it look really ugly.’
 |
| Ladybug devouring aphids |
Ecosystems
can’t function without the millions of insects that make up the base of the
food chain. We need those insects to
pollinate our food chain. They are the sole food source for many amphibians,
reptiles, birds, and mammals. Many insects are predatory or parasitic, either
on plants or on other insects or animals, including people. Such insects are
important in nature to help keep pest populations (insects or weeds) at a
tolerable level. [2]
Birds
need insects to fledge their chicks. Per Doug Tallamy (Bringing Nature Home) it takes 6,000 - 9,000 caterpillars to rear
one clutch of chickadees. Even
hummingbirds need insects to feed their clutches. They will eat upwards of 2,000 insects per
day.
 |
| Hummingbird chooses bug over nectar |
Bird
populations have decreased 50-80% in the past few decades. Two groups of birds
have been especially affected: grasslands species, which have been hurt by the
conversion of their habitat into farmland, and insect eaters such as swallows
and flycatchers, whose decline is less obvious but may be a result of falling
insect populations.[3]
“So,
what does this have to do with me? What can I do?” Plenty! First of all, DON’T SQUASH THAT BUG! Next,
take stock of what it is that you are planting in your garden. Native plants
will support native bugs which will in turn support native birds. Ideally our
gardens should have about 70% native plants in them. Flowers, bushes and trees
that are native will support the native insect population. Do you have holes in your plants’ leaves?
Celebrate! You know that you have a plant that will support a local insect,
that will in turn support a local bird.
Are
you inclined to clean up your garden in the fall when everything is turning
brown and dying back? Please don’t clean up yet. Leave your plant material as it is until the
spring. In doing this you will be leaving the seeds for the birds, areas of
protection for the insects, and perhaps some structural interest in the bleak
landscapes of the winter.
 |
| Healthy holey leaf |
CSU
Extension has a great FREE publication listing native plants for gardens above
7500’. https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/native/Mountains.pdf
Some
of my favorites that I grow at 8,600’ are: Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea), Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa), Catmint (Nepeta faassenii), Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) and Wax Currant (Ribes cereum).
Remember,
NO insects = NO birds, NO fruits and vegetables and NO HUMANS.
Please
DON’T SQUASH THAT BUG!
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