Scientists are learning that even our small yards can play a big role in sustaining nature. When discussing some of the plants needed by native bees, expert Sam Droege noted: “You plant it, they come.”

Big yards, small yards, flowerpots: all enrich the local food web when growing native plants. Connecting plantings across our neighborhoods amplifies the benefits, which include:

• Sustaining local pollinators, who are essential for the survival of plants

• Providing food and shelter for other species in the local food web, including birds, invertebrates, and other wildlife

• Helping clean the water flowing into local streams, aquifers, and Herring Bay

• Helping clean the air, especially by removing carbon from the atmosphere.

This page has information about why our contributions are important. It has links to webinars and articles by scientists and experts who vividly illustrate the intricate relationships between plants and other life on Earth. Enjoy watching, reading, and getting inspired to put the buzz back into the ecosystems of Herring Bay!