Further exploring ways to aid sustainable living pursuits while at home, the Mattapoisett Public Library recently hosted a presentation by Joy Marzolf.
Marzolf’s accomplishments in the world of nature is a long list. From rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife to educating people of all ages about an immense variety of animals and insects and their relationship to our survival, as well as engaging the backyard gardener to go natural with nature, Marzolf is in a league of her own.
The presentation, supported in part by the Richard and Ann Prouty Foundation, is the latest chapter focused on sustainability issues, this time with an eye towards naturalizing the home garden with native plants in support of native wildlife including beloved butterflies or less beloved garden snakes.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and over 20 years working in various animal and natural-world occupations, Marzolf said, “My favorite thing to do is break people’s misconceptions about many animals … especially those that people fear.” She jokingly said that snakes need a better public-relations team because their value to all living things cannot be overestimated.
Marzolf explained that wildlife and insects need the world to provide them with sustenance year-round, thus espousing the importance of having home gardens that feature berries, seeds and green leaves that both adult species can feast on as well as their progeny, even if the offspring is a caterpillar.
The annual homeowner’s right-of-passage, fall-season yard cleanup, should not be done at all, she said. Marzolf explained that birds are feeding on the insects that are wintering under leaves, even the graceful butterfly; those that share winter digs are under leave piles hibernating. “Wait ’til spring,” she counseled before clearing away the leaves.
The concept of growing native plants was discussed with a fine point placed on planning gardens that not only are native and therefore more likely to thrive but that also offer variety throughout the growing and harvest seasons.
The common milkweed plant serves as an example for Marzolf, who said that many gardeners fail because they are trying too hard, sowing the seeds and fertilizing them – seeds that in nature are cast upon the ground after flying on gossamer wings blown by the winds. “They are scattered, not planted, and don’t need much in the way of fertilizers or rich soils.”
Jumping back into the history of lawns, yes lawns, Marzolf said that during the early settlement periods New England was filled with vast fields that supported all manner of nature. As populations grew, the introduction of cattle and the like along with homesteading found fields being turned into home places with mowed grass areas. Today, she said the use of chemical fertilizers is commonplace.
Regarding chemical warfare on insects, Marzolf said there is proof that having one’s yard treated chemically to get rid of mosquitos actually has the opposite effect. She said that because the chemicals don’t discriminate, all insects are harmed with spraying including beneficial dragonflies that eat mosquitoes. Marzolf said that people simply need more information in order to make gardening choices that help, not harm, nature.
Marzolf displayed a picture of wild turkeys, asking if people perceived them positively or negatively. Everyone agreed they are great. They may have become a favorite on this day when Marzolf declared, “They eat ticks!”
Marzolf also discussed how climate change is affecting local nature in ways we might not fully appreciate. Take the poison ivy plant for instance. Marzolf said that because poison ivy absorbs CO2, the more concentrated it is in the atmosphere the stronger the oils of the plant are becoming, so much so that people who previously were not allergic to the oils are now impacted with the familiar blisters and associated burning and itching.
Some of the plants Marzolf advocated for planting as food sources for pollinators are: New England asters; tickseed or coreopsis; winterberry; Concord grapes and goldenrod. Voicing a bit of caution she said, “Know who are you buying seed from.” Marzolf said that many seed companies use chemicals on the seeds and that it is best to source organic seeds. She suggested contacting the Native Plant Trust, whose website is a great starting point for expanding one’s understanding of the importance of going native, with plants that is.
To learn more about Marzolf’s work, visit thejoysofnature.com.
Mattapoisett Public Library
By Marilou Newell