In our modern life, there is a tendency to expect the cycle of nature to conform to our own cyclical activities. We just began a new school year. Halloween advertisements already inaugurate months of upcoming holiday celebrations. Even if consumer marketing for fall fashion and flavors is in full swing, the reality is that we live in the subtropics here and don’t have to act like it is New England. Respite from our summer heat allows new native plants to get established in our urban wildlife habitats. You don’t have to wait until next year–make this autumn your very own spring! Fall is actually an optimal time for planting trees and shrubs in our local area. https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/newsletters/hortupdate/2009/oct09/FallIdeal.html
Another form of contraflow that benefits the environment involves challenging prevailing societal norms about our home landscape aesthetics. In a thought-provoking piece, Nancy Lawson advocates for humane gardening by asking the unexpected question: “Is Your Yard Undergrown?” https://www.humanegardener.com/is-your-yard-undergrown-not-overgrown/
Finally, it is that time of year again when you can buck the trend of urban light pollution. Specifically, you can help the two billion birds that navigate our Texas skies by turning off all non-essential lights from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, especially during peak fall migration from September 5 through October 29. https://travisaudubon.org/lights-out-texas
North Loop Neighborhood Association 