Gratitude Gourmet

Leaves are habitat, not trash

One of the most valuable things you can do to support pollinators and other invertebrates is to provide them with the shelter they need to survive the winter. Thankfully, that’s pretty easy; all you need to do is do less yard work.

Read more 👇
https://organicconsumers.org/leave-the-leaves/

We Should Be Focusing On Native Bees and Other Pollinators, Not Just Honeybees

A study published in Science News in 2023 emphasizes the importance of conserving wild, native insects too.

“This study is an example of why more conservation focus should be on native bees and other pollinators, which are vital to ecosystems and agriculture, in addition to honeybees.

Honeybees command a lot of attention in insect conservation circles, in part because they are important for pollinating our food supply.

But findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing pollinators like wild, native bees, moths and butterflies in conservation efforts too, the researchers say.

Flowers pollinated by honeybees make fewer and lower-quality seeds than flowers visited by other pollinators.

That could be because honeybees spend more time buzzing between flowers of the same plant than other pollinators do. As a result, more of the plant’s own pollen is deposited back on itself, leading to more in**ed seeds, researchers report June 28 in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.”

Flowers pollinated by honeybees make lower-quality seeds: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/flowers-pollinate-honeybees-low-seeds

Photo collage of native bees: Yellow-faced bumble bee, Ultra-green Sweat Bee, female Valley Carpenter Bee, Yellow-faced bumble bee

September 5th is National Hummingbird Day!

While they spend a lot of time drinking nectar from tubular shaped flowers, most of their diet is made up of insects and spiders. 20% Nectar (carbs) and 80% insects (protein).

So they are helping to eliminate insect pests such as mosquitoes… AND pollinating our flowers!

Photo by Hank Morales

🦅❤️

Jackie, the beloved Big Bear Valley bald eagle who died in August, will be honored with California Wildlife Day as admirers plan to wear purple in her memory. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by Friends of Big Bear Valley

The world lost Wendell Berry yesterday at 92. He was a farmer, a poet, and a profound voice grounded in land and community - someone who lived his work and convictions.

We celebrate his extraordinary life and send our love to his family, his friends, and everyone whose understanding of the earth was deepened by his words.

His poem "The Peace of Wild Things" is a meditation on despair and the quiet restoration that comes from returning to the natural world.
👉 https://onbeing.org/poetry/the-peace-of-wild-things/

Local California programs give away native trees that shade your home, cut summer water use, and pull in birds and pollinators. Most homeowners never claim theirs simply because they don't know these programs exist.

Just Add Bugs: Rewilding in Your Garden There are several ways to embrace nature – no matter the size of your garden. It's time to rebug & rewild our gardens, lawns, and parks!