In the Garden: Landscape ecology and land stewardship

Dana Kelley Bressette

In the Garden

Whether we rent or own, most of us have control over a portion of land. There often is heated debate over “property rights.” Some feel they should be able to do whatever they want on their property. But the fact is, what people do on their land may have severe impacts on their neighbor’s quality of life and the overall ecology of the area.

That’s why there are zoning restrictions and permitting processes. How much regulation is necessary or good is debatable.

People live and work in a variety of habitats. Each type varies in the degree of development (or disturbance, depending on your point of view). I try to focus on how the ecology of each can be improved for plants, wildlife and the web of life within the constraints of justifiable human activities.

The following are “human habitats,” classified and arranged from most to least developed and strategies that may help improve the ecology of each. All include planting with native plant species to some degree.

Industrial/large agricultural — Sites that have been severely impacted by poisons produced as a byproduct of mining, manufacturing or pesticide application.

Companies that still operate must not allow toxins to leach into the ground, air or water. Toxic wastes on historical sites must be cleaned up or contained.

“Hedgerows” and other wildlife refuges can be created in areas that surround intensive production activities.

Urban — In the concrete and asphalt jungle of inner cities, life often is limited to weeds in the cracks of pavement, pigeons and rats.

Rooftop gardens can revitalize the ecology of a city. Planter boxes and street trees can make a striking improvement in the aesthetics of the landscape.

By removing impermeable surfaces and planting in open ground, you can create “rain gardens” that absorb life-sustaining rainwater.

Commercial — In the Gig Harbor area, we have two glaring examples of commercial development.

In Gig Harbor North, many trees were preserved and subsequent landscapes were planted mostly with natives.

At Uptown Gig Harbor, all the trees were cut down and, although I commend the pedestrian concept, people often are forced to walk through mostly non-native plantings. Not only is it not very ecological, the aesthetics of the design don’t exhibit a true Pacific Northwest style.

Better than either of the above strategies is to redevelop areas instead of abandoning them and encroaching on remaining wild areas.

Suburban — Many people’s homes are on small lots. Increasing plant diversity is the best way a homeowner can improve the ecology of their property.

Reduce or eliminate lawn area, unless it is used as a play surface. Try to avoid geometric, single-species designs. Include different heights of native trees, shrubs, groundcovers and flowers. Help maintain community parks, green belts and wildlife corridors.

Rural (small acreage) — The historic use of land and your activities will influence how you may want to handle ecological restoration.

Of utmost importance is to control invasive species, such as Scotch Broom and Himalayan Blackberry. If you can get native species established, they will care for themselves, and you will have less to maintain.

Timberland/recreational parkland — It can be allowed to mature and grow independently (after you replant the area).

Invasive species will need to be monitored and controlled.

Wilderness — It should be left entirely alone, except to eradicate non-native species, or to reintroduce endangered species that have disappeared from regional habitats.

Humans have impacted every part of this planet to a certain degree. But by improving the ecology of land under your control, you can do your part to “Think globally, act locally!”

In the Garden columnist Dana Kelley Bressette can be reached by e-mail at skyenergy@centurytel.net.