Page 14 - BRN April 2021
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 As useful as these tools are, they are more effective when augmented by local knowledge. Who has done what, when, how, in the Black Range. What worked and, just as importantly, what did not.

Create Change With Your Own Backyard Habitat

by Nichole Trushell
In reaction to the losses of migratory birds last fall, the idea emerged to write a series of articles about what we might do as individuals to help migrant and resident birds. And so, this focus on home habitat creation emerged as a topic for the Black Range Naturalist articles.
A backyard habitat is not difficult or expensive to create and maintain. With an ever-changing palette of colors and textures, along with the watchable wildlife you will attract, this garden will be a fantastic landscape addition. It will bring beauty, joy, and provide an island respite for wildlife.
Using native species ensures that your local natural system is supported. Why does it matter? Non-native plants may provide a pleasing look, but ecologically, they are a wasteland in terms of supporting our diverse native species. There is a specific relationship among native plants, animals and other organisms which have adapted to life in the southwest, and to each other. This is at the base of our ecology. A landscape of non-native plants takes up space where habitat used to be.
Many of us live in rural areas and may question the need for creating habitat when surrounded by vast open space. The reality is, even our public lands have heavy agricultural uses; these uses have many impacts on the health of our natural systems and diminish their ecological values.
Key to designing a home habitat, is including a diversity of native plant species and layers of plant structure; that is, include ground cover, grasses, perennials, shrubs and trees. These key elements combine not only to create beauty but will successfully
 Steve Morgan and Nichole Trushell’s home in Kingston has an entry accented by layered plantings, including Anisacanthus, Rhus, Agave, Sphaeralcea, Ericameria, Hesperaloe, Echinocereus, Heliantus, Prosopis, Forestiera, and Fraxinus, among others. Except as noted, all photographs in this article are by Nichole Trushell.
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encourage a diversity of life on your property. that including water is critical.
Also remember























































































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