We must unite together to protect our planet. We get just one Earth.
Normally I would be out hiking on a special day like today but I’m not. Why? Because the amount of people on the trails is harming wildlife whether it be the trash left behind, the harming/killing of plants and animals when out on the trails, and wildlife’s need for peace and quiet to live their best life. We frighten them. Our presence disturbs nature even as well-intentioned someone is going out for a hike. This is one thing that we can all do, visit the trails but minimize the frequency. And whenever you are on the trail it is crucial to leave no trace and leave the dogs at home.
You might think then that I would be down because I don’t get time in the wilderness, but I’m not because I’ve planted native plants I have seen on my hikes so I have brought the wild to my garden. This is another action that everyone could take that would truly benefit your local ecosystem, rewild and plant native plants.
Between my own garden and feeding the birds, my heart is full and that is all thanks to nature. I watch the sunrise every morning and the sunset every night. The song from the birds can be heard all day long and the sages fill the air with their sweetness.
Sticky Monkeyflower or Mimulus Aurantiacus
Red Bush Monkeyflower or Displaces Puniceus
Coast Live Oak or Quercus agrifolia
White Sage or Salvia Apiana
Concha Lilac or Concha Ceanothus
CA Buckwheat or Eriogonim fasciculatum
White sage or Salvia Apiana
These plants are all thriving because they are endemic to my region so what works for my garden won’t work for anyone else unless they live in Southern California and the zone that covers my town. My day is spent tending to the garden, watering, and feeding the birds.
There are lots of different ways to help protect the environment.
What else can someone do to help nature?
Do:
👍Plant native plants from your region, rewild
👍Go hiking but keep the frequency of your visits down
👍Buy used goods especially electronics and clothes
👍Use public transportation, bike, or walk if possible
👍Drive less
👍Buy organic
👍Reduce your consumerism
👍Go vegetarian or vegan
👍Use glass or metal water bottles
👍Bring your own bags for groceries
👍Put out water for wildlife (a shallow bowl or dish)
👍Feed the birds
👍Donate clothes and other items or resell them
👍Compost
👍Use reef conscious sunscreen
👍Reduce single use plastic purchases
Don’t:
🚫Use or purchase herbicides, insecticides/pesticides, and rodenticides
🚫Pull dandelions
🚫Fly
🚫Take cruises
🚫Buy useless items that aren’t necessary
🚫Use plastic water bottles
🚫Throw out gently used clothes or other items
If we all took these steps, our world would be looking much different. There’s nothing stopping you from making a huge difference and showing you care for Mother Nature.