Thankful for Eco Warriors

Ever wondered how much "nature", eco-footprint, is required to support lifestyle choices?

The present-day average American has a total ecological footprint of about 25 acres, meaning if everyone consumed similar to average Americans, it would require several additional Earths to support lifestyle choices. So, the question is “Are you too big for your boots, your eco-footprint?”



 

Individually and collectively, not only are there opportunities to make eco differences related to personal choice but to influence the use of green spaces, both rural and urban. So, advocate eco conservation. For examples,

• Capture and use condensation from air-conditioning units for watering container plants.
• Choose native or native adaptable plants. Usually a native plant is the right plant in the right place which avoids numerous other site specific issues.
• Avoid using additive materials, such as peat, which are not a sustainable resource; in other words, once harvested the material does not regenerate itself.
• Create compost. Be aware that creating compost is neither a difficult or smelly task; and once you get into the cycle of creating compost; it is an excellent use of what would otherwise be considered garden and/or kitchen rubbish.
• Choose biodegradable products. For a number of years, ink on printed materials has no longer been toxic and these materials make excellent underlying mulch blankets that more importantly biodegrade.
• Avoid the use of chemicals. Install companion plants, create diversity, encourage beneficial visitors and perhaps, you too will be pleasantly surprised by the lack of unwanted garden guests.
• Avoid creating pristine orderly green spaces. In the wake of recent central Virginia’s storms, thousands of trees fell many Virginians, continue to clean up, but fortunately, a fallen tree provides a habitat for up to 300 years.
• Consider the source of landscape accessories. Select products made from recycled materials; for example, choose pavers material that is not only recycled but permeated, to prevent water run-off.
• When you light up your space, do it with solar fixtures. Solar lighting is a frugal form of energy consumption, and is easily installed.

In terms of your eco-footprint measurement, are you a novice or warrior? Are you chosing to make eco-friendly choices? Still, perhaps more importantly, are you influencing others to share eco values?

During the present and pending holiday season, let us, be thankful for those who choose be eco warriors. For, we not only have the opportunity to make a difference but can influence others through use of green spaces, both rural and urban. For additional tips and strategies, visit www.TheWrightScoop.com.

Thanksgiving, a bird's eye view

While traditionally this seasonal holiday time reflects on ‘thankfulness’ for abundance of crops harvested and the general health and welfare of our communities; nevertheless, a present-day question is, ‘Are we, as communities, contributing to the eco-health or demise of our Nation’s landscape?’

Through participating in a series of Community meetings related to reclassifying wetland areas from ‘flood plain’ to ‘hazard area’, I listen as person after person described significant change in the quantity of their area’s flood waters, areas flooding that never previously flood before; and even, not once or twice but numerous times, raw sewage seep into surrounding creeks, streams and rivers. So, as the present-day caretaker for a ‘generational family owned property’ once labeled the Bolton Estate located in Henrico County Virginia, I am alarmed.

 

excessive water runoff from nearby properties

When stable, this property’s wetland areas serve as host sites for a variety of wildlife, ranging from fox to the American eagle. In fact, historical records indicate the area’s central lake to be a natural pool; but overtime, it was extended to support more than 500 acres of agriculture activity and a second time, to support outdoor active recreation facilities. Nevertheless, due to impact of surrounding urban/suburban development, the area is no longer usable for fresh-water recreation. So, you see, I share with the wildlife a ‘bird’s eye view’ of the impact of urban/suburban runoff and pollution. I’ve watched a once pristine spring-feed wetland become a dumping ground; still, it is one of my community's few remaining green corridors – habitats.

Nevertheless, similar to other areas, it does not have to remain a dumping ground, a hazard area. There are alternative land use strategies which not only recover but prevent future negative impact. First and foremost, there is – related to this property - a County of Henrico Virginia sponsored creek restoration program. Still, for it to work effectively, other strategies need to be implemented; for examples, a rethink of how land is developed, use of ‘green build’ construction alternatives; and perhaps, more importantly, awareness of the eco-consequences of present-day life-style choices.

While I cringe at the fact we label 21st century green spaces hazard; perhaps, it is an excellent first step. For, it should be the beginning of evangelistic awakenings: a challenge to focus on implementing forms of green land use that not only lessen the impact of urban/suburban development but recover the eco-health of communities. Individually and collectively we do have pivotal eco opportunities: the option of choosing to implement green land use strategies which enable eco-healthy landscapes or continue down a path of present-day techniques that contribute to the decline of community eco-systems.

So, while many view the holiday season as a time to celebrate family and host feasts, I want to be thankful for the world’s natural beauty. Together, let’s make a commitment to ‘green’ America’s landscape - move ‘hazard areas’ from eco-weak to eco-chic, create a legacy of eco healthy urban, suburban as well as rural green spaces. And, perhaps one day, the birds will look down and think, ‘Whew, those humans, they had a close call; but, thankfully recognized the error of their ways!’ For additional tips and strategies, visit web site TheWrightScoop .

American Persimmon, a plant of CARE

Across the Nation, climatic shifts occur. “Challenging,” says Glen Allen, VA based The Wright Scoop –Sylvia Hoehns Wright, founder of the Plants of Care plant recognition program, “all to identify plants which enable eco sustainable urban suburban landscapes. As a result, Wright has chosen for the 4^th quarter of 2014 ‘plant of CARE’ American Persimmon. 

American Persimmon, a plant of CARE -

American Persimmon is recognized for its sustainable, drought-and-heat resistance attributes as well as viable food sources for people and/or wildlife. Native fruit trees such as persimmon produce food for people and/or wildlife while protecting soil, water and air quality. Because they are multifunctional, native fruit trees are prime candidates for agroforestry plantings and home landscaping. Such trees also offer the added benefit of greater pest and disease resistance when compared to non-native commercial species.

American-persimmon, Diospyros Virginiana, is a medium-sized tree that has handsome deep green foliage and dark blocky bark. It produces orange colored fruit about the size of a cherry tomato that ripen in late autumn. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in breads, puddings, cakes, and cookies. If eaten before it is fully ripe the fruit is very bitter. A general rule of thumb is that the fruit is ripe after the first frost of the season, but ripening time varies by cultivar.

Barry Nichols of Louisville, Ky., a biologist and a member of the North American Fruit Explorers (www.nafex.org), created a web site www.persimmonpudding.com to share information, including recipes, about his favorite fruit. Persimmons became a part of Nichols' diet when his trickster grandfather gave him an unripe fruit and urged him to chomp down. The young Nichols found what colonialist John Smith noted in 17th-century Virginia: "If it be not ripe, it will drawe a man's mouth awrie with much torment." As a hands-on gardener, "I’ve," says Wright, "found these trees to flourish as well as contribute an awesome food source to my central Virginia woodland gardens."

About Plants of Care, plant recognition program – 

An eco- advocate, Glen Allen VA based The Wright Scoop –Sylvia Hoehns Wright, founder of the Plants of Care plant recognition program challenges all to not simple identify plants that survive but thrive. “For,” says Wright, “any style landscape should not simply reflect traditional design concepts but be a result of the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating a legacy of green, healthier urban/suburban communities. The challenge for 21st century landscape gardeners is to create landscapes from a “waste not, and want not” eco logical commitment:  become caretakers for the environmental community.”

About the Wright Scoop –

Wright, who participates in nation-wide plant testing programs, chooses plants proven to enable landscape gardens of CARE – inspire people to have a perspective of conservation, accountability, recovery and efficiency in relation to the living green that surrounds them. Spotlighted by Landscape Architect magazine as an Industry ‘mover and shaker’, Wright identified American-persimmon, Diospyros Virginiana, as a ‘Plant of CARE’ challenging all to select and install plants that work-well for their region. For details of her activities, link to web site www.TheWrightScoop.com or contact Sylvia@TheWrightScoop.com or follow her activities through facebook group The Wright Scoop or twitter ID WrightScoop.

Sidebar: Persimmon Jam Recipe (by www.sbcanning.com)

2 lbs. Persimmon
1 cup sugar
1 T. honey
1 T. bottled lemon juice

Preparation and Cooking: Peel and dice persimmons. Add persimmons to a saucepan and add 1 cup of sugar and cook down on medium low until the persimmons are soft enough to mash.  Mash the fruit and it will become thick in the pan. Add the honey and bottled lemon juice and heat till honey is incorporated. Jam should be thick.  Seal jars as instructed by www.sbcanning.com.

Side-bar: Tips for Creating Landscape Gardens of CARE

•           Hitch hike onto seasonal cycles.

•           Conduct a site analysis.

•           Develop a master landscape plan. 

•           Create bio-diverse landscapes (blend of native and non-native plants).

•           Be water wise.

•           Create layered tree/shrub shelter.

•           Enable ‘critter’ and ‘people’ habitats.

•           Create a garden of CARE, a space that reflects a naturalist ‘waste not and want not’ perspective