DUKES FANS:
The last two weeks or so here in the Delaware
Valley have let us know that there is change going on-subtle, regular, change
that is quietly making itself known to us. It is a predictable change that
heralds the next step in the cycle that keeps us abreast of our world. The
temperatures most days have been cooler-starting in the 60’s in the morning and
mostly having highs in the mid-80’s or so. There are also changes going on in
the immediate world around us-colors of plants and flowers are a little duller
and some of them are starting to bend over a bit in their window boxes, pots,
and planters. The birds, particularly the bright yellow and black goldfinches
that have been dashing about the neighborhood, are losing their brightness.
Soon they will be dull colored, they will move on, and other winged friends
will be moving in. Bees and butterflies seem to be in hyper-drive,
appearing more numerous and dashing determinedly from flower to flower,
seemingly working overtime. Fall is in the air, and we are at another one of
those wonderful spots in the year where we have the simultaneous ending of one
part of the cycle and the beginning of another. And it is quietly glorious.
I enjoy being out at times like this,
noticing the skies, looking at the sun and the, moon and enjoying the whole
world being in transition again. This year I have been especially focusing on
the bees and butterflies in my regular walks and trips around Northwest Philly.
This section of the city has always had a huge number of great gardens, window
boxes, planters and flowerpots. The plantings in this area make the streets and
alleys gorgeous, lively and colorful-it can feel positively joyous to be out in
the morning and taking in the quiet spectacle. And the flowers and plants draw
a lot of butterflies and bees that make walking the area fun and exciting. At
any moment bees and butterflies can zip past or be seen hovering over and on
flowers, plants, and stalks, adding color and movement to the area. They
are truly a gift to the neighborhood, and I think I have noticed a great deal
more of both of these insects in the neighborhood this year. That is both good
and important.
These two creatures have been in
the news a lot recently as environmentalists, entomologists, gardeners,
beekeepers and more have been sounding warnings about the drastic declines in
their numbers over the last few decades. There are some 4,000 species of bees
native to the United States, and according to some estimates, some 700 of those
species are near extinction. Butterfly numbers have also been dropping
dramatically, with the United Nations estimating that 9% of butterfly species
worldwide are at risk of extinction. We are losing many of these
wonderful creatures, and this would is not only an esthetic loss.Not only are
they fascinating to watch and beautiful to see: they are also a vital part of
our economic structure.
Bees and butterflies are
pollinators, and as such they contribute mightily to the diversity and amount
of our food supply. Honeybee pollination, for example, is said to add some 15
billion dollars annually to our agriculture production. That is an important
part of our economy. Clearly, they play a big role in our lives. If they are at
serious risk, then so are we. (US Pollinator
Information | United States Department of Agriculture)
Intentional or not, there is a clear
movement to make the Northwest a pollinator friendly part of the city. I
believe people acting on these concerns is behind the growth in the number of
pollinators I saw this year in the Northwest section of the city. Hopefully
this can continue to move and grow and spread throughout the city, the
state and the nation. I still want to see those butterflies and bees in my
garden and in gardens around the world.
(If you are interested in learning more
about pollinators, their status and things being done to help them)
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