How We Can Reverse Habitat Loss

By Christine Hoey, Co-chair Native Garden Committee

We can mitigate habitat loss by restoring pieces of nature in our urban landscapes to create “waystations” for wildlife. According to entomologist and author Doug Tallamy, “If half of American lawns were replaced with native plants, we would create the equivalent of a 20-million-acre national park, nine times bigger than Yellowstone, or 100 times bigger than Shenandoah National Park.”

From the canopy above to the soil below, we all have an opportunity to slow down or even reverse habitat loss by creating our own native habitat landscapes with a trio of shelter, water, and food (insects). So, let’s expand our gardens with more California native plants!

Did you know that California has…

• Over 30% of all plant & vertebrate species in the U.S. occur in California.

• 1,000+ species of vertebrates (65% occur only in California): 650 birds, 220 mammals, 100 reptiles, 75 amphibians, 70 freshwater fish, 100 marine fish and mammals

• 6,500+ types of plants (2,000+ endemic to California)

• 30,000+ species of insects including 1,600 species of native bees (Biodiversity Fact Sheet, resources.ca.gov)This month’s featured article by NGC member, Susan Lewitt will go into detail about Biden’s and California’s 30 X 30 initiative to expand and protect 30% of native habitat by 2030.

If you love gardening with California native plants and would like to join the Native Garden Committee (NGC), sign up here: Join NGC. A separate monthly email is sent out to members with meeting announcements, volunteer activities, workshops and early bird sign-ups that don’t always make it into the Chapter newsletter. We would love to see you!