Inauguration Day coincides with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year. Whatever the effect of the new administration on climate change, we can still honor the environmental justice legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. in our local communities and specifically in our own homesteads. From a Stoic standpoint, we can focus on our control of our own actions as individuals that impact the environment—and they are significant.
As explained by the Guardian: “The world’s richest 10% encompasses most of the middle classes in developed countries – anyone paid more than about $40,000 (£32,000) a year. The lavish lifestyles of the very rich – the 1% – attract attention. But the 10% are responsible for half of all global emissions, making them key to ending the climate crisis.” https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/20/revealed-huge-climate-impact-of-the-middle-classes-carbon-divide Transportation and consumer goods listed in that article as key factors for the “carbon divide.” Fast fashion isn’t the only consumerism that we can opt out of. A worthwhile Atlantic article poses an interesting question about the home remodeling and renovation trend treadmill: “Do you really want a new kitchen counter?” https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/11/lifestyle-media-home-improvement-trends-obsession/672168/ Your modest lot can be a carbon sink if you manage it right: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220610-how-to-turn-your-garden-into-a-carbon-sink Even a patio or balcony can be an important wildlife habitat: https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/learn/native-plant-gardening-for-patios-and-balconies The year is full of opportunities to help:
January
Fireworks harm already struggling wildlife
Last optimal month to prune oaks before Oak Wilt starts spreading more easily again next month
Use your winter storm waste to improve your soil quality
February
Owl babies are living in dead tree cavities—please don’t fell the trees that are their homes
Provide a nesting box for various cavity-nesting birds
Delay yard tidying until there has been a week of temperatures in the 50s or above (pollinators are still overwintering in plant stems & leaves)
March
Plant native grass seeds
Check for bunny nests if mowing or raking (they live here, too, and they have litters year-round)
Let native plant “volunteers” (including the less famous wildflowers) live in your yard
Bird Spring Migration begins, so “Lights Out, Texas!” (3/1-6/15) (also helps bats & fireflies)
Monarch butterflies return from Mexico and rely upon milkweed—lend a helping hand by providing some (that has not been treated with pesticides)
April
Migratory bird nests have legal protections
Roadkill mama opossums may carry live babies in their pouches that can still survive
We can co-exist in urban settings with predators like urban foxes, who are having litters now
Mulch your trees properly (no mulch volcanoes) before the onset of summer heat
May
“No Mow May, Low Mow Spring” (*really this applies even earlier in our area)
Consult a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if you are concerned about a baby bird or mammal (and protect them by avoiding overzealous use of yard equipment and by keeping your cats indoors)
Hire a professional certified arborist if you have storm damage to your trees
Leave palm tree skirts untrimmed–at least through August
June
Learn how and when to water trees—even native and mature ones–during droughts
Hummingbirds are returning and would benefit from specific flower plantings in your yard (but not from harmful dye in your feeder)
July
Fireworks harm already struggling wildlife
Provide water for our outdoor neighbors (but make sure they have a way out so they don’t get stuck and drown)
Add night-blooming plants for moths
August
Fall Migration begins (8/15-11/30), so “Lights Out, Texas!” for birds (& myriad other wildlife adversely impacted by light pollution)
Mother bats are nursing non-flying bat pups in the skirts of mature palms and they cannot flee to safety if you prune at this delicate time
September
Tiny hummingbirds are departing for their long migration and need prolific amounts of flower or undyed feeder nectar from properly sanitized feeders
Young migratory birds (that may have hatched outside of cities in the spring) may not have seen windows before—prevent yours from being death traps by adding bird safety decals
October
Plant trees and shrubs during the fall so that they can establish before our oppressive summers
Avoid wasteful use of pumpkins
Peak Monarch Butterfly migration—now they need nectar from your flowers to fuel their journey
November
Prevent food waste for Thanksgiving
“Leave the Leaves” in your yard to support dwindling insect life
Plant native wildflower seeds
Tackle necessary tree pruning before birds rely upon them for spring nests
Seal your home from wildlife seeking shelter before winter cold
December
Donate your pecan crop to a food bank and/or wildlife rescue
Consider the environmental impact of your Christmas tree, décor, gifts & celebrations
North Loop Neighborhood Association 