Blog Entry #24

I did a lot of reading and research over the past two weeks in order to learn more about the urban ecosystem and ways to improve my work. Native plants are of extreme importance. Studies have shown that they support around four times as much insect biomass as non-natives. While this in itself does not sound like a good thing, insects form the base of the food chain and in turn feed the more desirable wildlife species, such as birds. Therefore, native plants can increase general wildlife populations by as much as a factor of four.

More emphasis also needs to be placed on putting trees in the right location. Soil compaction is a huge issue, and many will grow fine for decades and then wither away as soon as they run out of root space. Also, many are actually grown with too much water and develop weak wood as a result. Many of the Texas species are adapted to a semiarid climate and get too much water from irrigation. Additionally, many trees receive too little water instead. Soil compaction and impervious surfaces limit the amount of water than can be accessed, and supplemental water is often not enough. As I continue my work in the coming months and years, I will keep these ideas in mind in order to be as effective as possible in my projects.