Doug Tallamy is on a mission to create backyard national parks across the globe. On September 12, the Marion Natural History Museum hosted Tallamy, a well-known and highly recognized expert in the field of ecology and everything that encompasses.

            Tallamy began his hourlong presentation, viewed remotely at the museum, by laying the groundwork for what he really came to talk about, which was no less than saving the planet earth. But first: insects and soils.

            Tallamy talked about the role insects play in supporting human life from building fertile soils to feeding animals. Using the acorn to illustrate his point, he said that oaks drop acorns, which are then feasted upon by insects and birds. He said the Blue Jay collects acorns, storing them in soils, but can only recall a small percentage of where they were stored. The rest might become mighty trees over time. And considering that the Blue Jay may collect and store many thousands of acorns, the number of fledging trees is amazing.

            Sharing first-hand insights from his own naturalized gardens and his field work, Tallamy moved the discussion to the importance of planting native species.

            Native plants support insects. Tallamy talked about the importance of keeping leaf litter on the ground versus clearing it all away due to the number of insects that fed upon the insects therein. Insects are bird food, he reminded the audience. Everything is connected.

            “Insects are the little things that run the world,” said Tallamy, explaining that leaf litter blankets the soil, holds water and nutrients, and blocks light pollution. And expounding on the insect to plant dependency, Tallamy said, “Keystone native plants that support 90 percent of all caterpillars – think butterflies.”

            But what did Tallamy really want to impart to the likeminded folks in the audience? Saving the planet, one backyard garden at a time.

            Noting that it has been projected by scientists that in order to really save the planet and hence human life, one half of the planet must be naturalized. Now consider that a large percentage of earth is already being actively used for agriculture. Where does that leave the human race? Tallamy suggested turning to our own backyards.

            Teddy Roosevelt championed parks, placing large swarths into national parks which did much to make the country aware of its beauty. But Tallamy said those protected lands were held for pleasure, not for conservation.

            “Those parks are too small,” he said.

            On the other hand, the cumulative impact of everyone who owns property allowing it to naturalize and or planting native plants would help tremendously, he concluded.

            To that end, Tallamy has cofounded a movement called Homegrown National Parks. This is what the ecologist wished us to take away and implement in our own backyards. By using native plants and conservation methodologies for gardening, we can all become part of the solution, Tallamy said.

            On the website homegrownnationalparks.org, you can find presentations by Tallamy as well what types of native plants to select for your backyard national park.

            The Marion Natural History Museum is a venue for learning right in our own backyard, introducing the community to a wide variety of subject matter, as well as programs geared towards children, our planet’s future.

Marion Natural History Museum

By Marilou Newell

             A large majority of older people want to stay in their own homes rather than move to a retirement community or, heaven forbid, a nursing home. Closeness to friends and family is a key factor, as is the comfort of familiarity and the freedom to do what you want when you want.

            At the same time, most of us develop at least some health issues as we age. Our strength, our balance, our vision and hearing inevitably decrease, no matter how healthy we are.

            There are many things we can do now to make it easier to age in place. Some are very simple and inexpensive, others more costly.

            A potentially serious problem for seniors is falls and resulting injury. To minimize the risk of falls:

            Get rid of small rugs that slide. Have fewer rugs and be sure they are on a nonskid pad.

            Have railings for all stairs, indoors and out.

            Have adequate lighting, particularly by stairs and at entrances. Using higher wattage bulbs is the simplest way to do this, and if you need to, get an electrician to install new fixtures.

            Use a night-light in your bedroom; falls getting up at night are common and can be serious.

            Bathrooms need attention.

            Install grab bars for every tub and shower – be sure your installer does this regularly.

            Have a nonskid surface in the shower. A bench makes showering easier. This can be built-in (expensive) or a chair with good support (cheap).

            If you much prefer a bath to a shower, invest in a walk-in tub.

            Raise the height of your toilet seat with either a new unit or an add-on and consider a grab bar next to the toilet.

            Kitchens also warrant attention.

            Getting things down from high cabinets is difficult and can be hazardous if you use a chair or a ladder. Have your cabinets lowered, so that all the space you need to use can be reached easily. Slide-out shelves will make it easier to get what you want.

            If you are facing the need for a wheelchair, be sure all surfaces are low enough that you can work in the kitchen from the chair. If you have an island in the kitchen, be sure there is at least four feet of space on all sides of the island.

            All your chairs should have arms, to make getting in and out safer.

            Part 2 next week.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer