Takeaway at Prairie Preview: Every Little Bit Helps

Many of us have made an observation that starts with “when I was a kid,” and continued with a story of how years ago after a long driving trip the windshield and grill of the family car was plastered with insects, and therefore many stops were needed to clean them off. Now, however, almost no insects are in evidence after such a trip – and is an indication of the decline of insect populations, happening worldwide.

This observation kicked off Sarah Nizzi’s keynote talk at Bur Oak Land Trust’s 37th annual Prairie Preview. Sarah is a conservation biologist at the Xerces Society and spoke on “Integrating Nature into Our Daily Lives and Why it Matters.” The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. Their key programs include pollinator conservation, endangered species conservation, and reducing pesticide use and impacts.

Sarah shared sobering statistics that go beyond anecdotal evidence of the decline of insects in the natural world. Globally, more than one million species are categorized as invertebrates, and they are part of almost every food chain. Nearly half of these species are considered threatened. Pollinators – which are critical for much of our food production and also production of next generation plants – are a subset of these million species and include butterflies, bees, flies, and moths. Hummingbirds and bats are also pollinators. Urban development, pesticide use, and continued planting of row crops contribute to the disappearance of these species and their habitats.

What Sarah asked is “what can we do in our own backyards to help?” Her answer – we can integrate native plants into our landscapes and include species that will provide a succession of blooms for pollinators, leave ground undisturbed for the benefit of certain bee species, leave brush piles and woody and pithy stems in place to provide overwintering and nesting habitats. And, of course, we can plant more milkweed to support monarch butterflies.

Prairie Preview was held at The Bohemian Hotel (formerly the Clarion) in Iowa City. This year, 13 sponsors, 43 exhibitors, and approximately 300 attendees helped make the event happen. Exhibitors represented organizations working on issues and activities such as water quality, raptor rehabilitation, banishment of plastic bags, getting kids outdoors, and much more. Visitors could engage in conversation and enjoy refreshments provided by the Four Seasons Garden Club and sign up for a drawing to win one of several donated bird houses.

The sponsors, exhibitors, and keynote speaker reminded us to consider how we help or hinder the processes of the natural world. As we spring forward, it is a good time to ponder how we can do more to protect the fragile but crucial players in our ecosystem. Every little bit counts.