The sad fact is that most nursery owners, horticulturalists, and garden center managers have little to no understanding of the ecology of a garden or its relation to the environment beyond the garden fence. And very few gardeners have this information either.

Its not their fault. As a culture we dont teach ecology in school, and only those with an interest in the subject choose to study it.

But its not like only those with an interest in ecology need to have a healthy environment. We all need that.

Imagine how different our world would be if at a very minimum every politician, whether local, state, or national, understood ecology and the important ecosystem services that are provided by a healthy environment, which our survival is dependent on. I dont think they would be so quick to enact policies that trash our environment if they really understood the long term consequences.

In the meantime, the responsibility for acquiring this knowledge falls on each of us as homeowners, business owners, and land managers.

And yes, it is a lot to learn:

• What plants are native to your region?
• Which plants are invasive and should not be planted in your area?
• What plants will provide for the largest numbers of wildlife?
• How chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides kill all of the beneficial wildlife in the soil?
• And more

Ive been told that this is simply too much for anyone to learn, its impossible.

But look at how our culture has changed in just the last 10 years:

• Weve learned how to use email
• Weve learned how to use Facebook and Twitter
• Every time we get a new cell phone, we have to learn how to use it
• Weve learned iphones, ipods, ipads

In my lifetime I have had to learn many things. We did not have computers at home when I was young. Then only rich people had computers. Then there was the TRS-80 (we called it the Trash 80). And now there are laptops, netbooks, macbook airs. And the smartphone in my pocket is a more powerful computer that anyone could have imagined even 10 years ago.

In fact we learn new things all of the time.

And understanding the ecology of your garden and how what you do there impacts the world around you seems kind of easy compared to some of those things above.

So where should you start?

Find a native plant nursery near you, or a local chapter of your state native plant society and spend some time talking with the nursery owner or the members of the native plants society. These folks are passionate and knowledgeable and will be your best resources for the plants that will work best in your garden.

Print out a list of invasive plants in your area and carry it with you in your wallet. Every time you go to purchase a plant, pull out this list and check to make sure that your plant is not on that list.

Spend some time getting to know the conditions in your garden. Where does the water collect after it rains? How many hours of sun does each area of your garden really get each day? What type of soil do you have? Knowing these things will allow you to put plants in the right place for them in your garden (and will also show you which plants will not thrive in your garden).

Do online research to locate organizations, books, native plant sales, and many other people eager to share their wisdom with you.

Owen Dell has a great line in his excellent book, Sustainable Landscaping for Dummies, where he says that a gardeners best tool is a lounge chair. Take some time to just sit and watch what happens in your garden. By observing what happens you will gain all of the knowledge you need to create welcoming habitats for wildlife.

A systemic pesticide is absorbed into all parts of the plant: leaves, flowers, pollen, and nectar which means that any caterpillar feeding on that plant, any butterfly sipping some nectar, or any native bee collecting pollen are often killed simply by visiting plants treated with neonicontinoids.

Neonicotinoids affect the central nervous system of insects resulting in paralysis and death, which is surely not your goal if you’re goal is to create a pollinator garden!

Now these chemicals are being discovered in many leading garden centers in plants that have been pre-treated with this toxic poison.

Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides that are widely used in agriculture and horticulture to control pests such as aphids, mites, and whiteflies. They are called “neonicotinoids” because they are chemically similar to nicotine and work by affecting the nervous system of insects.

Neonicotinoids have become popular in recent years due to their systemic action, which allows the chemical to be absorbed into the plant tissue and provides protection from pests for the entire life of the plant. This makes them highly effective at controlling pests, but it also means that the chemicals can persist in the environment for long periods of time and can have unintended impacts on non-target species, including beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Studies have shown that neonicotinoids can have significant negative impacts on bee populations, particularly when the chemicals are used on flowering crops that bees rely on for food. Neonicotinoids can also contaminate the nectar and pollen of plants, which can harm bees and other pollinators that feed on the plants.

As a result of these concerns, several countries, including the European Union, have placed restrictions on the use of neonicotinoids. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency is currently reviewing the safety of neonicotinoids and has proposed restrictions on some uses of the chemicals.

Given the growing body of evidence linking neonicotinoids to declines in bee populations and other wildlife, it is important to be mindful of the potential impacts of these chemicals and to consider alternative pest management strategies that are less harmful to the environment and to non-target species.

Healthy ecosystems provide a number or services which are crucial to wildlife, and also to our own health and survival.

We have to remember that the choices we make in our gardens impact our communities, our regions, and the health of our planet.

Urbanization has the potential to harm natural ecological processes in several ways, including:

• Habitat destruction: Urban development can lead to the destruction of natural habitats, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
• Soil compaction: Urbanization can cause soil compaction, reducing the ability of soil to absorb water and provide nutrients to plants.
• Air and water pollution: Urban areas can contribute to air and water pollution, altering the chemical composition of ecosystems and affecting the health of plants and animals.

To heal these ecological processes, the following steps can be taken:

• Protect and restore natural habitats: This can be done through the creation of parks and nature reserves, and the restoration of degraded habitats.
• Implement green infrastructure: This involves the use of green spaces, such as parks and gardens, to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization.
• Promote sustainable practices: Encouraging the use of sustainable practices, such as composting and recycling, can help reduce the amount of waste generated in urban areas.
• Regulate pollution: Governments can enforce laws and regulations to limit the amount of pollution generated by industries and individuals in urban areas.
• Encourage community involvement: Community involvement in the process of healing ecological processes can help to raise awareness and build support for environmental protection efforts.

I have one five year old neighbor who cries every fall when she sees those paper bags full of leaves lined up along the sidewalk because she knows that butterfly larva, salamanders, spiders, and many other kinds of wildlife make their homes in those leaves. So she helps me go around and collect those bags of leaves and we spread them out in our gardens and around the abandoned property on our block.

Teaching kids about nature is more important than ever! With so much technology and city life, it’s easy for kids to miss out on the magic of the natural world. But don’t worry, there’s an easy solution – wildlife gardens!

Wildlife gardens are the perfect way to bring kids and nature together. They can be any size, from a small container garden to a huge outdoor space, and they’re a fun, hands-on way for kids to learn.

One of the best parts of wildlife gardens is that they teach kids about the different species that live near them and what they need to survive. By planting native plants, kids can see for themselves the insects, birds, and other creatures that visit the garden and the important job they have in pollination and spreading seeds.

And let’s not forget, wildlife gardens give kids a sense of responsibility too. By planting and taking care of their own garden, kids can see the impact of their actions and learn why it’s important to protect wildlife and their habitats.

To make the most of your wildlife garden, get kids involved from the start. Have them pick the plants, create homes for different creatures, and set up bird feeders and nesting boxes. Encourage them to keep a journal, take photos, and make observations about the wildlife they see.

Almost every state in the United States has a Master Naturalist Program, often developed in conjunction with Universities and County Extension offices. These programs are similar to the Master Gardeners Programs around the country.

Enrollees receive many hours of classroom and field instruction. Upon graduating from training, Master Naturalists are expected to complete a number of hours of volunteer service in their first year and 20 hours annually thereafter along with annual continuing education requirements.

Did I miss any? Please let me know by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post. Thanks for your help!

Also see these related resource lists:

• Native Plant Certificate Programs
• Native Plant Societies in North America
• Native Plant Nurseries, Organizations, and Resources for North America–a comprehensive list of resources

National Master Naturalist Association

Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs: The Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach & Service Programs promotes citizen stewardship of natural resources through science-based conservation- education- and service programs. ANROSP supports and enhances member programs- and facilitates development of new programs. Many different types of programs fulfill our mission- including Master Naturalist- Certified Citizen Naturalist Volunteer- Master Watershed Steward- Coverts- Master Conservationist- and many more nationwide.

Alabama Master Naturalist Training

The Alabama Master Naturalist program is a new statewide program whose goal is to help promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Alabama’s natural world among Alabama’s citizens and visitors. In addition, the AMN program will also develop a statewide corps of well-informed volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.

Someone needs to create a Master Naturalist Program for Alaska!

Arizona Master Naturalist Program

The Arizona Master Naturalist Program mission is to establish and maintain a corps of well-informed volunteers to deliver quality environmental education programs and promote stewardship of Arizona’s natural environment.

Arkansas Master Naturalist Training

Arkansas Master Naturalist Program: To develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Multiple Chapters

California Master Naturalist Program

The UC California Naturalist Program is designed to introduce Californians to the wonders of our unique ecology and engage the public in study and stewardship of California’s natural communities. The California Naturalist program uses a science curriculum, hands-on learning, problem-solving, and community service to instill a deep appreciation for the natural communities of the state and to inspire individuals to become stewards of their local resources. Follow CA Master Naturalists on Facebook

Colorado Master Naturalist Training

Audubon Naturalist Training: The Audubon Naturalist Training Program offers 85 hours of classroom and field training. We bring in field experts to teach classes on: Ecosystems, Ecology, Geology, Plants, Insects, Reptiles, Amphibians, Bird & Raptor Identification, Mammals and Interpretive Guide Techniques. This training prepares people of all experience levels to become naturalists for our public and/or school environmental education programs.

City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department: Master Naturalists are volunteer educators with the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program. Each spring, new volunteers embark on a fun, active training program.

Connecticut Master Naturalist Training

Connecticut Audubon Master Naturalist Training: Our mission is to conserve Connecticut’s environment through science-based education and advocacy focused on the state’s bird populations and their habitats.

Delaware Master Naturalist Program

The Aquatic Resources Education Center’s Naturalist Volunteer Program: This exciting program provides training and incentives for volunteers. The program’s mission is to educate and train citizens throughout the state to serve as volunteers in environmental education; monitoring, restoration, conservation and protection of Delaware’s natural resources. Volunteer opportunities include aquatic education, wildlife surveys, tree planting, native seed collection and more!

Florida Master Naturalist Program

The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult education UF/IFAS Extension program developed by the University of Florida and provided by many Extension offices and participating organizations throughout the state of Florida. FMNP training will benefit persons interested in learning more about Florida’s environment or wishing to increase their knowledge for use in education programs as volunteers, employees, ecotourism guides, and others.

Georgia Master Naturalist Training

The Georgia Master Naturalist program is an Adult Environmental Education course developed by the UGA Cooperative Extension Service and the UGA Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources for people who wish to be more informed about habitats, natural resources and the natural environments of our state.

Idaho Master Naturalist Training

The Idaho Master Naturalist Program aims to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to actively work toward stewardship of Idaho’s natural environment. Chapters in: Boise, Ketchum, Idaho Falls, Island Park, McCall, Pocotello, Sand Point, Treasure Valley Community College.

Illinois Master Naturalist Program

The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Program is to provide science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards.

The East-Central Illinois Master Naturalist (ECIMN) Program, established in 2005, is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension Champaign County, Champaign County Forest Preserve District, and Urbana Park District and is available to residents of Central Illinois. Our current team of 165 Master Naturalists have contributed over 15,400 hours of service valued at $320,000 to Central Illinois.

Illinois Grand Prairie Master Naturalists–The mission of our program is to provide science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards. Our vision is to give individuals the opportunity to experience nature, develop knowledge of and respect for the environment, and practice natural resource stewardship.

Indiana Master Naturalist Training

The Indiana Master Naturalist program can provide you with many hands-on opportunities to learn about our Hoosier natural resources. It also provides a way for you to share that knowledge, along with your life experiences, through volunteer service.

Iowa Master Naturalist Program

The Iowa Master Conservationist Program is offered by Extension Wildlife Programs. It is a volunteer program developed to give you the information necessary to make informed decisions about your natural resources.

Kansas Master Naturalist Training

The mission of the Kansas Master Naturalist program is to develop knowledgeable and dedicated citizens who are active in promoting awareness, understanding, and stewardship of the natural heritage of Kansas.

See more Kansas native plant resources

Kentucky Master Naturalist Program

Someone needs to get a master naturalist program started for Kentucky!

Louisiana Master Naturalist Training

The Louisiana Master Naturalist Program is an emerging opportunity for citizens to expand or sharpen their skills in natural history, with special focus on the diverse habitats of the Sportsman’s Paradise, Louisiana. The Master Naturalist Program, through its various chapters, will enable you to learn about the nature of the state’s varied physiographic regions, and help you understand the connections among our valued environment, culture, and economy.

• Acadiana Master Naturalists
• Greater New Orleans Chapter
• Northwest Chapter

Maine Master Naturalist Program

The Maine Master Naturalist Program is dedicated to developing a network of trained naturalist volunteers to teach natural history and encourage the stewardship of Maine’s natural environment. The program offers participants comprehensive instruction and field experience focused on ecological principles; wetland and upland ecology; identification of Maine’s flora and fauna; geology; and teaching skills.

Maryland Master Naturalist Training

Maryland Master Naturalists are interested, ecologically aware people who have successfully completed a fun but rigorous natural history training program, and who “pay it forward” with 40 hours of volunteer work annually. They participate in citizen science efforts, teach classes, lead field trips, and continue to learn and share their enthusiasm for Maryland’s natural areas and the life forms that occupy them.

Massachusetts Master Naturalist Program

The Massachusetts Master Naturalist Program mission is to grow its capacity to develop and deliver public programming by building a core of well trained volunteer docents.

Michigan Master Naturalist Training

In case you are not familiar with the MSU Extension Master Naturalist program, it is similar to the Master Gardener program only with a focus on conservation and the environment.

• Kent County Master Naturalist
• Ottawa County Master Naturalist

Michigan Conservation Stewards Program, Michigan State University Extension–This Michigan Conservation Stewards Program is designed for anyone interested in current conservation issues, outdoor recreation, nature study, natural area management, and a variety of other topics such as lake/stream monitoring and habitat restoration. Through participation in this program you will learn essential strategies to help restore and conserve ecosystems in Oakland County and throughout Michigan.

Minnesota Master Naturalist Program

The mission of the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program is to promote awareness, understanding, and stewardship of Minnesota’s natural environment by developing a corps of well-informed citizens dedicated to conservation education and service within their communities.

Mississippi Master Naturalist Training

Mississippi Master Naturalist Program: A Master Naturalist is a concerned citizen who wants to learn more about Mississippi’s natural resources and management tools that can be used to help protect our land and water resources.

Missouri Master Naturalist Program

The Missouri Master Naturalist program is a community-based natural resource education and volunteer service program for adults, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the University of Missouri Extension. The mission is to engage Missourians in the stewardship of our state’s natural resources through science-based education and volunteer community service.

Montana Master Naturalist Training

The Montana Master Naturalist Program is designed for adults who want to stoke their curiosity and deepen their knowledge of the natural world. We offer a range of programs to fit the needs of a diverse community, but all the classes share a common goal of providing participants with the skills to interpret the Montana landscape.

Nebraska Master Naturalist Program

Get up close and personal with Nebraska’s natural resources! Participants in the Nebraska Master Naturalist Program will engage in nearly sixty hours of in-depth training, led by experts in their fields. Learn about Nebraska’s ecosystems, plants and animals, conservation biology, and so much more!

Nevada Master Naturalist Training

The Nevada Naturalist Program is an adult, environmental education program created to develop a corps of education naturalist volunteers to serve in southern Nevada.

New Hampshire Naturalist Training

The New Hampshire Natural Resources Stewards trains volunteers to promote wildlife habitat conservation and forest stewardship.

New Jersey Volunteer Naturalist Program

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, and other regional environmental organizations are offering a program to train New Jersey Volunteer Master Naturalists (VMN). The 40 hour certificate program is based on a national model to develop volunteer citizen stewards of natural resources through science-based conservation, education, and service programs.

New Mexico Master Naturalist Program

The New Mexico Master Naturalist Program aims to instill the pursuit of life?long learning and promote environmental stewardship. Participants are activity engaged through education and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources on Open Space properties.

New York Master Naturalist Training

Cornell University Master Naturalist Program: The Master Naturalist Program is a high-quality, science-based training program designed to teach adults about New York’s natural resources, empowering them to educate others and participate in on-the-ground conservation management projects.

Quality Parks Master Naturalist Program. Naturalists are deeply engaged in a personal commitment to open space preservation. The Quality Parks Master naturalist certification program is a train-the-trainer program. We will teach you to become a naturalist

North Carolina Master Naturalist Program

The Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate Program offers classes, field studies and workshops designed to provide residents of Western North Carolina with an opportunity to learn more about the natural world and cultural heritage of our mountains. Through the Arboretum’s Adult Education curriculum, programs in a variety of topics are available throughout the year.

Central Carolinas Master Naturalist Program: To create a corps of well-trained volunteers providing education and service to benefit natural resources within their communities.

North Dakota Master Naturalist

Someone needs to get a master naturalist program started for North Dakota!

Ohio Master Naturalist Training

Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist: The mission of the OCVN program is to promote awareness and citizen stewardship of Ohio’s natural resources through science-based education and community service.

Oklahoma Master Naturalist Program

Do you love the sound of bird songs and want to know who’s singing? Do you want to know how to identify native plants and use them in your landscape to attract birds and butterflies? Do you love nature and want to learn more about natural resources right here in Oklahoma? Then join us as a member of the Oklahoma Master Naturalists! We are a group of volunteers dedicated to learning about and preserving Oklahoma’s rich biological diversity and sharing this knowledge through education, outreach, and service within our communities.

Oregon Master Naturalist Training

The Oregon Master Naturalist Program provides an opportunity to learn about natural resources through the study of scientifically sound information: the natural history of plants, animals, habitats, and geology, the history and processes of landscape change, as well as the most relevant topics in present-day sustainable natural resource management. Participants volunteer for natural resources programs, agencies, organizations, and other groups in their communities.

Pennsylvania Master Naturalist Training

Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is a statewide partnership initiative that aims to connect people with their local ecosystems through intensive natural science training and local conservation service work. It is a venture directed toward developing a local corps of “master volunteers and service providers” to offer education, outreach and service dedicated to the understanding and management of natural areas within their communities.

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Pennsylvania Master Naturalist: The Schuylkill Center is a partner with the Master Naturalist program, coordinating and hosting the Philadelphia Master Naturalist training course and engaging Master Naturalist Volunteers in various projects and opportunities at the Center.

The Pennsylvania Institute for Conservation Education was born to provide an educational forum for people to connect with nature. Through direct learning experiences in the natural world, our goal is to engage individuals in the conservation and stewardship of the natural environment that sustains our communities.

Rhode Island Master Naturalist Training

Someone needs to get a master naturalist program started for Rhode Island!

South Carolina Master Naturalist Program

The South Carolina Master Naturalist Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Interested South Carolinians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service.

South Dakota Master Naturalist Program

The South Dakota Master Naturalist Program is a partnership of the Black Hills Parks & Forests Association, Black Hills State University, South Dakota Dept. of Game, Fish, & Parks, and the South Dakota Discovery Center.

Tennessee Master Naturalist Program

The Tennessee Naturalist program is a corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Tennesseans interested in this program become Tennessee Naturalists through training and volunteer service.

Texas Master Naturalist Program

Texas Master Naturalist: to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Many communities and organizations rely on such citizen volunteers for implementing youth education programs; for operating parks, nature centers, and natural areas; and for providing leadership in local natural resource conservation efforts. In fact, a short supply of dedicated and well-informed volunteers is often cited as a limiting factor for community-based conservation efforts.

Chapters:

• Alamo Area-San Antonio
• Big Country-Abilene
• Blackland Prairie-Plano
• Bluestem-Grayson Couunty
• Bois d’Arc Chapter
• Brazos Valley-Bryan/College Station
• Central Texas – Belton
• Capital Area-Austin
• Coastal Prairie-Rosenberg
• Cradle of Texas-Angleton
• Cross Timbers-Fort Worth
• Cypress Basin-Jefferson
• East Texas -Tyler
• El Camino Real-Cameron
• Elm Fork-Denton
• Galveston Bay-Galveston
• Gideon Lincecum-Brenham
• Good Water – Williamson County
• Guadalupe County
• Gulf Coast-Houston
• Hays County-San Marcos
• Heart of Texas-Waco
• Heartwood-Conroe
• Highland Lakes-Burnet
• Hill Country – Kerrville
• High Knob Chapter – Southwest Virginia
• Indian Trail – Ellis County
• Lindheimer-New Braunfels
• Llano Estacado-Midland-Odessa, Big Spring and surrounding area
• Longleaf Ridge Chapter-Jasper
• Lost Pines-Bastrop
• Mid-Coast – Aransas, Calhoun, Goliad, Jackson, Matagorda, Refugio, San Patricio, & Victoria Counties
• North Texas-Dallas
• Panhandle-Amarillo
• Piney Woods Lakes – Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Tyler counties
• Red River-Clarksville
• Rio Brazos-Cleburne
• Rio Grande Valley-San Benito
• Rolling Plains-Wichita Falls
• Sabine/Neches-Orange
• South Plains – Lubbock
• South Texas – Corpus Christi
• Tierra Grande -Alpine
• Trans_Pecos-El Paso
• Western Edwards Plateau – Junction

Utah Master Naturalist Training

The Utah Master Naturalist Program is a certification program developed by Utah State University Extension with the partnership of over 25 other organizations in Utah. The mission of the Utah Master Naturalist Program is to develop well-informed volunteers and professionals who provide education, outreach, and service promoting stewardship of natural resources within their communities.

Vermont Master Naturalist

The Field Naturalist and Ecological Planning programs bring motivated students to the intersection of the natural environment and human nature. Our two-year graduate curriculum integrates science, fieldwork, critical thinking and public communications to produce leaders in environmental policy, land stewardship, research, conservation and education. Whether they go on to work in boardrooms, backyards or bogs, we give graduates the skills and dexterity to understand and explain the natural world – and to solve its problems.

Virginia Master Naturalist Program

Virginia Master Naturalists are volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping Virginia conserve and manage natural resources and public lands.

Chapters:

• Alleghany Highlands Chapter: Alleghany, Bath, and Highland Counties
• Arlington Regional Chapter
• Banshee Reeks Chapter: Loudoun County
• Beagle Ridge Chapter: Wytheville and Wythe, Bland, Grayson, and Carroll Counties
• Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes Chapter: Franklin and Bedford Counties
• Central Blue Ridge Chapter: Nelson County
• Central Piedmont Chapter: Buckingham, Cumberland, and Prince Edwards Counties
• Central Rappahannock Chapter: Fredericksburg and Stafford, King George, Spotsylvania, and Caroline Counties
• Central Virginia Chapter: Lynchburg and Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, and Appomattox Counties
• Eastern Shore Chapter: Virginia’s Eastern Shore
• Fairfax Chapter: Fairfax County
• Headwaters Chapter: Rockingham and Augusta Counties
• Historic Rivers Chapter: Based in Williamsburg and James City and York Counties
• Historic Southside Chapter: Surry, Isle of Wight, Southampton, and Sussex Counties
• Holston Rivers Chapter: Abingdon and Washington County
• James River Chapter: Goochland and Powhatan Counties
• Merrimac Farm Chapter: Prince William County
• New River Valley Chapter: Blacksburg and Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Floyd Counties
• Northern Neck Chapter: Northern Neck
• Old Rag Chapter: Madison, Rappahannock, Culpeper, Orange, and Fauquier Counties
• Peninsula Chapter: Newport News and Hampton
• Pocahontas Chapter: Chesterfield County and the Richmond Metro Area
• Rivanna Chapter: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
• Riverine Chapter: Hanover County and the Richmond Metro Area
• Roanoke Valley Chapter: Roanoke County
• Rockbridge Chapter: Rockbridge County
• Shenandoah Chapter
• Clarke, Warren, Page, Shenandoah, and Frederick Counties
• Southwestern Piedmont Chapter: Serving the cities of Martinsville and Danville, and the counties of Henry, Patrick and Pittsylvania.
• Tidewater Chapter: Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Portsmouth

Washington Master Naturalist Training

Bellevue Master Naturalist Training Program: Master Naturalists will learn about the area’s ecology, geology, wildlife, plant life, cultural history, wetlands, forests, and streams from professors, local professionals, scientists, research assistants, and Park Rangers. Master Naturalists will focus on restoration and conservation efforts, and will help share this passion by working with and educating their community.

Kitsap County Water Stewards: We hope you will join us to understand, value, and protect Kitsap County’s priceless marine environment. In the past five years Kitsap County shoreline volunteers have been providing education, outreach and mentoring to the citizens of Kitsap County.

Stream Stewards: Stream Stewards receive training that prepares them to work on upland and stream riparian restoration projects.

Washington DC – District of Columbia DC Master Naturalist Program

DCMNP is an intensive two component program offered at the University of the District of Columbia.

West Virginia Master Naturalist Program

The mission of the West Virginia Master Naturalist Program is to train interested people in the fundamentals of natural history, nature interpretation and teaching, and to instill in them an appreciation of the importance of responsible environmental stewardship. The program will also provide a corps of highly qualified volunteers to assist government agencies, schools, and non-government organizations with research, outdoor recreation development, and environmental education and protection.

Wisconsin Master Naturalist Training

The mission of the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program (WIMN) is to promote awareness, understanding, and stewardship of the natural environment by developing well-informed citizens dedicated to conservation education and service within their communities.

Wyoming Master Naturalist Program

Someone needs to get a master naturalist program started for Wyoming!

NestWatch welcomes data for all North American birds. Participants submit data about which kinds of birds are nesting, the number of eggs laid, dates eggs were laid, and the numbers of chicks hatched and fledged. Collecting this information across the continent over long periods of time is one of the best ways we have to detect widespread changes in breeding bird biology.

Why is Nest Monitoring Important?

Nesting birds are vulnerable to changes in the environment, including climate change. Data show some species, like the Tree Swallow, are laying their eggs more than a week earlier than they did just a few decades ago. That could spell big trouble if hatch dates get out of sync with the availability of food.

Projects like NestWatch provide scientists with a large database which tracks population and reproductive success. This information helps them to determine what factors may be contributing to a species decline.

This data is much more valuable when all the records are completed in the same way. That’s where NestWatch comes in. Each participant will submit information about the nests in their Ecosystem Garden in the same manner.

This is a great way to get your kids involved in helping scientists. Many classroom teachers are participating in the project as a way of teaching a hands-on approach to learning science.

It’s also a great way for you to get in tune with the rhythms of your garden. If you keep a Garden Journal, you will be able to see any changes that may occur over time in your own garden.

Helping Birds in Your Wildlife Garden

Here’s some tips for helping birds in your wildlife habitat garden

• Creating Rest Stops for Migratory Birds in Your Ecosystem Garden
• The Right Cup of Coffee can help Save Bird Habitat
• One Third of US birds in danger. How your Wildlife Garden can help

In my garden, the birds are already quite busy. The Chickadees, Titmice, Robins, Cardinals, Woodpeckers, and Wrens are already hard at work building their nests.

Here are some tools and strategies for bird nest monitoring:

1. Camera Traps: Camera traps are a great tool for monitoring bird nests. They can be placed near the nest to monitor activity without disturbing the birds.

2. Audio Recordings: Audio recordings can be used to monitor bird nests. This can be done by placing a microphone in the area near the nest to record any sounds the birds may make.

3. Radio Transmitters: Radio transmitters are a great way to monitor bird nests. They can be attached to the birds to track their movements and help identify nests.

4. Nest Boxes: Nest boxes are a great tool for monitoring bird nests. They can be placed in areas where birds are known to nest and can provide valuable information about the species and nesting habits.

5. Observation: Observation is a great way to monitor bird nests. It can be done by simply watching the area around the nest to determine activity levels and to identify the species of bird.

One of the most widely used herbicides, Atrazine, has been found in drinking water at levels that exceed federal safety guidelines, but the EPA has not published these results and the public was never warned that the safety of their drinking water was in question.

Atrazine is heavily used in agriculture, golf courses, and home lawn care, and has been found to wash off these areas during rain storms and to end up in our watersheds. Atrazine is one of the chemicals responsible for the Gulf of Mexico dead zone at the mouth of the Mississippi River.

You can read about the high levels of Atrazine in drinking water at these links:

Debating how much weed killer is safe in your water glass

EPA fails to inform public about weed killer in drinking water

Weed killer may be in your drinking water at dangerous levels

Can we trust the manufacturer to provide accurate results?

There are several points to be made about this subject that are not discussed in these articles. First, the agency responsible for collecting data and reporting results regarding the safety of this chemical, Syngenta, is in fact, the same agency that manufactures this chemical.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not exactly thrilled about the fact that we are entrusting the manufacturer of this chemical to give accurate and unbiased information about their product. The EPA says this chemical is safe, but they are getting their research from the people that make the chemical.

Home gardeners do not follow application directions

Home gardeners are notorious for not following application directions and recommended amounts of toxic chemicals. People tend to mistakenly think that if a little bit of a chemical is “good” then more is better. In fact, these chemicals are applied at rates that are ten times higher than the recommended amount in home gardens than the rates applied in agricultural settings.

Home gardeners are also negligent in following safety precautions when applying these chemicals. Most of these toxic chemicals recommend wearing long sleeve pants and shirts, a respirator, and to not apply any chemicals when the wind is blowing. How many times have you seen a home gardener wearing a respirator? Not very often is my experience.

If a chemical manufacturer recommends wearing a respirator, how safe do we really think that chemical is?

Toxic chemicals have many unintended and harmful consequences

Here at Ecosystem Gardening I am of the opinion based on my reading of many scientific papers that the use of toxic chemicals is not in keeping with the principles of Ecosystem Gardening. Our goal is always on wildlife conservation in our gardens. All actions have consequences, and your responsibility to wildlife precludes the use of toxic chemicals which have many negative consequences to wildlife.

Atrazine has been found to disrupt hormonal functions in frogs, in essence turning male frogs into females. If it can do that to frogs, do you want to take the chance that it can do that to humans, too?

Amphibians, such as frogs, toads, and salamanders, are in great danger. Populations of many species of amphibians are in serious decline, or have disappeared altogether. One of the most prevalent reasons for this decline is chemical contamination.

Amphibians are particularly sensitive to chemical poisoning, and because of this they are the current “canaries in the coal mine” an early warning system that can point to environmental problems that will ultimately affect human health.

Either stop using toxic chemical for selfish reasons to protect human health, or do it to protect the wildlife that is declining because of our use of these chemicals, but make the pledge today to stop using these chemicals in your garden.

Here are several ways to get certified. Feel free to certify your Conservation Garden with one, several, or all of the following:

1. The National Wildlife Federation has been certifying gardens for over 35 years. They have an extensive resource area for those wishing to gain some tips for improving habitats on their properties.
2. The North America Butterfly Association Butterfly Garden and Habitat Program has an exhaustive resource area for butterfly gardeners, including garden ideas, host plant lists, suggested plants, and regional gardening guides.
3. Canadian Wildlife Federation‘s certification is similar to that of the National Wildlife Federation, above
4. Monarch Watch Waystation Program is a great way to create stopover spots for Monarch butterflies during their amazing migration and for breeding new generations.

In addition to these national programs, many states and local communities have their own certification programs. These are a great way to get to know your neighbors who share similar passions about wildlife. Checking with your state’s native plant society is a good place to begin your search for local certification.

Rain Gardens: Managing Water Sustainably in the Garden and Designed Landscape, by Nigel Dunnett and Andy Clayden. This book contains beautifully photographed examples of rain gardens in practice. Rain gardens encompass all possible elements that can be used to capture, channel, divert and make the most of the rain and snow that fall on a property. Using the innovative and attractive approaches described here, it is possible to enhance outdoor spaces and minimize the damaging effects of drought, stormwater runoff, and other environmental challenges. Nigel Dunnett & Andy Clayden have created a comprehensive guide to water management techniques for the garden and built environment. Filled with practical, manageable solutions for small and large-scale implementations and utilizing authoritative research with state-of-the-art case studies from all over the world, Rain Gardens is the first book on sustainable water management schemes suitable for students and professionals.

Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls, by Nigel Dunnett and Noel Kingsbury. This book is full of beautiful photographs of green roofs and living walls which the gardener can use as examples for their own projects. Green roofs and walls reduce pollution and runoff, help insulate and reduce the maintenance needs of buildings, contribute to biodiversity, and provide habitats for wildlife. In addition to all this, they are attractive to look at and enhance the quality of life of residents. The authors describe and illustrate the practical techniques required to design, implement, and maintain a green roof or wall to the highest standards. This informative, up-to-the-minute reference will encourage gardeners everywhere to consider the enormous benefits to be gained from planting on their roofs and walls.

Green Roofs: Ecological Design And Construction, by the Earth Pledge Foundation. — Cooling cities — Reducing energy demand — Containing water runoff — Preserving wildlife habitat — Enhancing urban well-being These are a few of the many reasons why green roofs are sprouting in cities around the world. Examine possibilities for city-wide green roof development through 335 color photographs, 40 case studies of exemplary green roof building projects, and 7 municipal case studies describing green roofs in Berlin, Tokyo, London, Portland, Chicago, Toronto, and New York. This book details the ecological benefits, technical requirements, architectural history, and design possibilities of vegetated rooftops. Green Roofs: Ecological Design and Construction will inform and inspire communities, designers, building owners, and local leaders by showcasing the environmental and aesthetic potential of green roofs around the world. William McDonough, an architect and leader of the sustainable development movement, provides an opening essay that considers green roofs as part of a larger project to harmonize the natural and built environments.

Design for Water: Rainwater Harvesting, Stormwater Catchment, and Alternate Water Reuse, by Heather Kinkade-Levario. In an era of dwindling resources, water is poised to become the new oil. The entire world now faces the reality of a decreasing supply of clean water. To avert a devastating shortage, we must not only look at alternate water sources for existing structures but must plan our new developments differently. Design for Water is an accessible and clearly written guide to alternate water collection, with a focus on rainwater harvesting in the urban environment. All aspects of rainwater harvesting are outlined, including passive and active system setup, storage, storm water reuse, distribution, purification, analysis, and filtration. There is even a section on rainwater harvesting for wildlife.

The New Create an Oasis with Greywater: Choosing, Building and Using Greywater Systems – Includes Branched Drains, by Art Ludwig. Excellent guide to the installation of greywater systems for water conservation. Create an Oasis describes how to quickly and easily choose, build, and use a simple greywater system. Some can be completed in an afternoon for under $30. It also provides complete instructions for more complex installations, how to deal with freezing, flooding, drought, failing septics, low perk soil, non-industrialized world conditions, coordinating a team of professionals to get optimum results on high-end projects, and “radical plumbing” that uses 90% less resources.

But first, why is stormwater such a problem?

Mainly because we, in our infinite wisdom, have decided to treat stormwater like toxic waste, to be immediately removed from our presence and directing it off our properties and into a series of pipes that ultimately pushes this water into our streams.

There are many problems with this approach, which can be illustrated by the recent efforts of Philadelphia to address these issues:

• Over 60% of Philadelphia has a combined stormwater/sewage system. Even a quarter inch of rain can overwhelm this system and send road oil, litter, and raw sewage – gushing from 164 pipes directly into the Delaware River, the Schuylkill River, and Tacony, Pennypack, and Cobbs Creeks. Bacteria levels skyrocket. (Note: don’t eat the fish!)
• We have sealed the surface of the city with buildings, roads, parking lots, shopping centers, and business parks, giving the rain no way to soak slowly into the soil to be absorbed into groundwater systems.
• What open ground remains has become so compacted from constant mowing that rainwater is unable to permeate that soil either.

The city of Philadelphia has just announced a 1.6 BILLION dollar plan (over 20 years) to create a system of rain gardens, green roofs, permeable paving, and other green techniques to deal with this serious stormwater problem. Why! Consider these recent examples of the problem:

• We recently had over 6 inches of rain in just two hours, which caused a huge mudslide and shut down the major highway into and out of the city.
• In my neighborhood, there is one road good road out of the neighborhood and into the downtown area. This road runs along a creek which floods almost every time it rains, causing massive traffic backups and delays as this road is closed.
• There are certain neighborhoods in the city which experience major flooding with almost every rain storm. Streets become impassable and basements are filled with water.

This 1.6 billion dollars is going to come out of our pockets as taxpayers. There is a much better solution aside from requiring new construction projects to devise a plan to manage the rainwater on that site.

We can each learn to manage rainwater on our own properties and let it serve its natural function, and that is where our Ecosystem Gardens come in.

Here are some examples:

• Rain barrels are easy to install, and provide a source of irrigation water that can be used during dry times.
• Rain gardens are beautiful and act as filters, removing pollutants from the rain water and keeping those toxins out of our streams.
• Green roofs require a little more technical expertise, but provide welcome habitat for wildlife, and keep our houses warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing the cost of home heating and cooling.
• Rainwater can be directed into a wildlife pond to be used by dragonflies, birds, frogs, toads, salamanders, and more.
• Resources for managing rainwater on your property can be found here.
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