More than 80 species of birds have used the habitat in my urban garden, including nesting downy woodpeckers!
News & Articles.
Here is a sampling of articles that I have authored, or that reference my work promoting native plant landscapes. As the founder of Grow Native Massachusetts and in my ongoing work as a speaker and educator, I have had the opportunity to help build a growing movement of people who embrace landscape stewardship as an essential component of conservation strategy. Our work is built on an understanding that we humans are integral to ecological systems, and not separate from them. It constantly brings me into contact with wonderful colleagues and people who have a deep respect for science, philosophy, art, and for the connections that interweave our understanding of the world. It is fun, challenging, and constantly filled with learning because ecosystems are infinitely complex.
The Wild Ones
Dubbed “The Steward,” I was recognized in the Spring 2016 issue of Garden Design magazine for my work to found Grow Native Massachusetts and to promote citizen stewardship for the protection of biodiversity. In their article, The Wild Ones, the editors recognized the growing impact of the ecological landscaping movement, reporting on the work of “18 leading designers, scientists, authors, and advocates who are leading the charge in the development of ecologically informed gardens.” At the top of the list are Doug Tallamy, Larry Weaner, Darrel Morrison, and many other favorites of mine. I am happy to be called a “wild one” and am honored to have been included! Read the article.
Embracing Bird Conservation at Home
In this article I wrote for Bird Observer, published in April 2019, I tell the story of transforming my 7,300 square foot urban property into a rich native plant landscape, and documenting the 80 species of birds that now use or have used my gardens for habitat. Almost one-half of these species have declining populations. Two are “watch list” species at risk of extinction, and 32 are classified as of moderate conservation concern. One of the notable successes of my habitat creation efforts has been the nesting pair of downy woodpeckers that took up residence in the dead snag I created for just such a purpose. Pretty cool… to sit on my back porch throughout that spring and witness the nest building, feeding, and finally the fledging of two very young “downies!” Read the article.
Every Garden Matters— Every Landscape Counts
My conception of what matters to conservation has evolved quite a bit in my sixty-some years. And it has also been greatly influenced by my partnership with my husband, an architect and urban designer. In this short article for the Boston Society of Landscape Architects 2017 Fieldbook, I reflect on how our respective careers— as well as our decision to live in urban Cambridge, Massachusetts— led me to embrace a more holistic view of humans as part of nature and not separate from it. Limitations can be valuable. And transitioning from the expansive 100-acre woodland of my childhood, to a smaller urban parcel in adulthood, has taught me much about the value of all landscapes. Read the article.