By Laura Ackerman | Photos by Jerusha Hampson
I’ve been turning my 1910 farm into (mostly) a habitat focused on invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and native plants. We intend to use this habitat as a show case for TLC and a teaching "laboratory." I am also planting a large pollinator garden and the seedlings are currently are hanging out in the greenhouse attached to the chicken coup. Lastly, we are using the farm to store TLC tree planting equipment and our biochar kiln; and we are considering using the farm as a brief holding place for beavers who are waiting to be relocated in the wild!
As far as the photo identification; one is a hatchling Pacific Chorus frog; Pseudacris regilla, in my back yard pond. Bumblebees love the caragana, also known as Siberian pea shrub. I am not sure what the other pond creature (in the last picture) is, but Kat Hall, who teaches The Lands Council’s environmental education program, says it's a type of mayfly or damselfly nymph. The top part of the photo is actually the tail of the nymph.
Climate change is hard on all species in the world, and it is especially hard when coupled with habitat destruction (one reason why we have more exposure to bats). It's one of the reasons why I decided to preserve and enhance my West Plains farm for wildlife. I have more fountains and nesting boxes for birds. This year, I have seen a lot of mountain blue birds, nuthatches, robins, magpies, swifts, flickers, hummers, goldfinches, red tail hawks and others - more than ever before.
I frequently see two species of bumble bees and other native bees. I also have mason bees and honey bees (I am not sure if they are wild or just visit my farm from a domestic hive). You can find instructions online for mason bee houses, bumble bee houses, and other creature homes. One of my favorite books is Landscaping for Wildlife in the PNW by Russell Link.
I am huge fan of brush piles and hedges and I am planting a hedge in my pasture. I think they belong in many places in the city, too! I also love invertebrate hotels and right now I am making one out of a failed chicken tractor.
The oil markets and news change everyday like the news on COVID-19. Right now oil is being stored in nooks and crannies and of course much larger spaces all over the world, including ships. Our board member, Rein Attemann, sent me a helpful editorial on this issue (found here).
I have also found two other studies (Glacial Ice Will Likely Hold Records of COVID-19 and COVID-19 Shutdown are Clearing the Air) that you may find interesting. I am working on an oil report as well as lying on my stomach searching my algae filled pond, digging up invasive weeds in the pasture, and helping my daughter plant hundreds of veggie and flower seedlings - she’s done 90% of the work on seedling project.
If you are on Facebook check out my FB pages, Earth Matters Now and Old Fossil. On each page, I put studies and stories of interest.
Until next month!