Advocacy & Community Service 

Washington and Iron County Utah are the fastest-growing counties in the U.S. Consequently, we are losing the diversity of our natural ecosystems. However, there are many successful and doable cures. One is to bolster existing areas of mesquite bosques and shrublands with nature patches and micro-forests.

 

How is this accomplished?

 

These areas combine the most suitable, potential native vegetation with simple paths, community garden areas, and interpretive sites that residents and visitors can use for walking, cycling, and nature-inspired play. 

Green corridors can also become sanctuaries for wildlife, especially our diminishing bird populations. Because they are areas with no herbicide or pesticide application, they become critical insectary sites for insect populations. In some areas, insect biomass is down 80%, and in others 90% as discussed in research conducted by numerous organizations around the world.  

 

What can we do? 

 

Listen to a fascinating talk about the importance of insects discussed by Dr. Akito Kawahara during the 2019 Entomological Society of America symposium. 

 

Green corridors and micro-forests also aid in reducing the albedo (heating) and pollution caused by our urban and suburban hardscapes that contain little or no native vegetation. Need more proof? Here is a simple experiment developed by Science Friday to do as a family activity. 

 

While we live near an abundance of public lands, they are not areas where we live. We need alternative transportation and green corridors to mitigate our changing climate. Moreover, the ecological benefits of native patches are both qualitative and quantitative.

 

We all need these spaces.

 

With some planning, they can be connected with other trails and public lands. Let us work together and make these vital living corridors happen for ourselves, families, visitors, children, wildlife, and native plant communities.