Very Unpopular Strong Opinions Blog by Christyl Rivers
Not lawn for this world
We have a Home Owners Association that compels people to keep lawns. Ours is pretty brown right now. Oops.
Neighborhood lawns waste lots of water. And time. And pesticides. And fertilizers. They need mowing, usually with gas motors. Mowers and whackers are loud, obnoxious, stinky, wasteful, and ugly. They are the epitome of indulgent, mindless, and absurd waste.
A few people have birdbaths and feeders, but many leave them empty.
Meanwhile, smoke drifts into the neighborhood from faraway fires. The heat means wildlife struggles. Drought kills food sources. Insects perish. Birds and bats need homes and fuel. Bees and butterflies can’t support our ecosystems.
But you can thrill two birds with one stone
Rig together a bird bath. Put any shallow water container, (we are currently using a thoroughly chlorine-sanitized former litter box) and set it on a brick, stump, over-turned flower pot, or box.
Put a stone in the middle so visitors can stand. Set a branch, or even better, plants and shrubs beside it.
If your area is in heatwaves and drought, you will begin to see grateful birds and beasts come. But the curious thing is you will find yourself as grateful as they are. They do not have air conditioners, cold beverages, or cool, shady showers.
We can’t hoard all the cool for ourselves and feel good about being alive. To feel psychologically sound, we have to support the ecosystems that support life all around us.
It’s well known and well documented, that connecting to nature helps you cope with the bad news of the day.
Sheryl, Russell, And Jim
We have a crow family that discovered the water tray. During the record heat waves a couple of weeks ago, the parent crows brought their juvenile to drink and bathe.
A little google-tubing taught us that baby crows stay with monogamous parents for up to two years. They hang out together with older siblings, too. This younger crow is distinct by his demanding calls and playful antics.
All of them fluttered and dipped in the water tray, and it was so uplifting to see them have relief from the oppressive heat our human habits have caused.
We had to be wary about filling the tray because the hot sun made the hose water scalding at times. We knew this water is vital to other birds, too. And squirrels. And insects. And more.
Twelve rules for life
#1 through #12: share this world.
Plant as many trees, flowers, and shrubs as possible, and adorn your world with options for the wild things. Even if all you have is an apartment window sill, think of them.
Get outdoors and in touch with your food sources, and your allies.
Provide some life for them, and they will enhance your life.
Watch Green Planet with Sir David.
A good rule of green thumb: be aware of what is happening outside your indoor sanctuary, so you can help create a sanctuary world that embraces all of the creation.
Please. They are waiting.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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Photo credit: Reid Naaykens on Unsplash
