WHY WE WANT THE EXACT NATIVE PLANTS IN EACH PLACE
Rhapsody In Green Newsletter Spring 1997
On a recent trip to the Anza-Borrego desert, we learned that
the spectacular red-flowering Ocotillo blooms at the same time each
year that hummingbirds migrate north. The hummingbirds then collect
nectar from the blossoms. How do the hummingbirds know, from such a
distance, when the Ocotillo blooms or is it--how does the Ocotillo
know when the hummingbirds are comming?
The answer is simple...
It's the current up-to-date result of 3 1/2 billion years of
evolution. A great spectacular accord fashioned from an ability
and a will to adapt together to changing situations. A system in
deep relationship.
A pre-school book at the Desert Museum in Anza-Borrego, has it
right (One Green Mesquite Tree, by Gisela Jernigan /note with tremen-
dous illustrations).
"Seven palo verdes
form a golden bower,
Eight busy bumblebees
drinking from the flowers.
Nine Ocotillo blossoms
flaming red,
Ten emerald hummingbirds
coming to be fed."
The native plants of each and every place, including the cities,
are what interact rather precisely with the native animals.
Most people think the city is dead and plant whatever plants to
decorate it without regard for the system in place. We believe the
city is alive and many of the animals are still passing through (all
the animals, if cities were designed properly.) The "many" then go
out and interact with the "all".
The fact is, our cities are spreading and the 'city is dead'
philosophy is leading to the "Earth is dead". The 'city is alive'
philosophy leads to an appreciation of the interrelated nature of the
Earth and the understanding that we've already spread too far.
--Jon Earl and Ellen Petty
Be it known the Loquin Entomological Society
on behalf of its members and officers
WISHES TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND HONOR
RHAPSODY IN GREEN
For Outstanding contributions to
Invertebrate Conservation
February 2, 1997
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