Spreading the word

Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary manager Christine Southwick of Shoreline hopes her enthusiasm for the program will spread to her neighbors. She recently wrote a “how to” article for her neighborhood newsletter, including this testimonial:

“My wildlife count for my yard is 60 different species of birds, including year-round Anna’s Hummingbirds and migrating Rufus Hummingbirds, 6-7 different butterflies, 3 different types of dragonflies, salamanders, and lots of beneficial bugs. (An occasional raccoon, oppossum or coyote may pass through my yard, but they did that before I improved the yard.)

I keep the garden organic—meaning I don’t use poisons --which is healthier for me, the dog, the birds, and stream that gets my yard run-off. I let the birds eat most of the “bad” bugs, and sometimes I help with insecticidal soap. And I let the flower heads go to seed for the birds.

I love my yard now and so do my neighbors. And I go to sleep knowing that I am making a little better and healthier place in my corner of the world. Won’t you add your yard, too?”