| Planting Seeds at Gring's Mill Recreation Area |
 At the Berks County Conservancy, we pride ourselves on working with different partners in the community. About two years ago, we partnered with the Berks County Parks & Recreation Department, NRCS, Tulpehocken Chapter Trout Unlimited and the Berks County Conservation District to develop the Red Bridge Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Project. This project helped increase stream bank stability and species abundance in the Tulpehocken Creek at Gring's Mill Recreation Area.
We continue to monitor the project and see how plant and animal life has flourished with our help. Planting trees and creating a better habitat for fish is an ongoing process. Just this week, more trees and grass seed were planted along the stream to continue the work of this project. Be sure to visit the Red Bridge in the next month to see all of the trees and grass blooming with color! |
| Tips for Providing Habitat in Your Own Backyard |
Like we created a better habitat for fish and wildlife at Gring's Mill Recreation Area, you can do things in your own backyard. Here are some simple examples:
- Attract birds to your backyard through bird feeders. Bird feeders can provide a year round supply of food, and bird baths can provide much needed water. Putting up nest boxes on your property will provide certain species of birds, such as bluebirds, a place to raise their young right outside your home.
- Wildlife requires places to hide in order to feel safe from people, predators and inclement weather. Shrubs can serve as useful locations for birds to seek cover and possibly nesting.
- Mulch helps keep water in the soil and available to the plant, rather than evaporating into the air. This can help reduce water consumption. As mulch breaks down, it provides nutrients to the soil, which can help reduce or eliminate the need for additional fertilizers.
- Grass lawns often require chemicals and frequent maintenance. Gas-powered lawnmowers produce high amounts of greenhouse gases, which contribute to the air pollution that causes global warming. Since lawns are often made of only a few types of plants that most animals do not consume, they do not provide a lot of value for wildlife. Replacing grass lawn with native wildflowers, bushes, and trees provides the food, shelter, and cover that help to maintain healthy, natural ecosystems and reduces your time and labor working on the lawn.
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| Get Ready for Spring Planting with Our Gardening Gloves |
 The original Atlas Gloves - tough nitrile coating breathable nylon liner, machine washable. A "must have" for gardeners! One size fits all.
Purchase your gardening gloves in our online store today for only $5 each! Also, check out our other Berks County items for your unique gift-giving ideas. |
Friday, April 17, 2009
