Letter to the Editor

Biodiversity

By Patricia Henighan, Walden
Posted 1/6/22

The end of December saw the passing of a great figure in the scientific world - E.O. Wilson, whose ground-breaking study of ants brought a usually unappreciated insect to the attention of …

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Letter to the Editor

Biodiversity

Posted

The end of December saw the passing of a great figure in the scientific world - E.O. Wilson, whose ground-breaking study of ants brought a usually unappreciated insect to the attention of non-scientists by presenting the amazing social structure of ant communities. By showing how colonies flourished as an important part of the environment, Wilson emphasized that our natural environment existed and remained healthy through many checks and balances. The term “biodiversity” was his term for recognizing how both plants and animals depend on each other to maintain a healthy environment.

Humans and the industrialized world as a whole have ignored this scientific principal to their detriment. Both the pandemic and Climate Change are outcomes of this failure to recognize our place as part of an ecosystem. We can’t live without clean air and water even though we may mask ourselves and vaccinate against viruses. Our actions so far have caused enormous extinctions world-wide. Wilson and other scientists have suggested preserving at least seventy percent of remaining open space to allow wildlife and ecosystems a chance to recover.

In our local community, we are fortunate in having parks and private areas with varied habitats and abundant wetlands that provide protection for some rare and endangered species such as Indiana bat (endangered), Northern harrier (threatened), purple milkweed (uncommon) and American woodcock (declining) just to name a few. In January, there are important decisions being made on the municipal level that will determine how we will act to protect our natural environment. Among the seven local laws, there are three related to wetlands and vernal pools (a very important habitat for our frogs and salamanders).Public comments are accepted up to January 20. In addition, the Conservation Advisory Council is proposing that the Town establish a Critical Environmental Area in two of our watersheds to better protect drinking water. The Town will also be discussing how to manage the farm fields at Benedict Farm Park . It is hoped that providing the best breeding habitat for ground-nesting birds such as Bobolinks will be considered. Make getting active for the environment part of your New Year’s resolution so that your children and grandchildren don’t accuse you of leaving them a diminished world!