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Enjoying Wildlife,
Protecting Biodiversity
Getting Ready for Winter
BY DONNA DUBREUIL
When people think of biodiversity and wildlife, they often picture something
exotic like a polar bear. But many people in countries around the world would
give anything to have the variety of wildlife we see in our own backyards in
Ottawa. Picture this: a long-tailed weasel sunning itself on a rock in a local
waterfront park; a red fox dashing across a golf course; or a grey squirrel performing
aerial feats in a neighbourhood tree.
Biodiversity is more than just wildlife. It includes genetic diversity, species,
ecosystems, and the natural systems, cycles and processes that are essential to
life, such as air and water purification and oxygen and soil production. We
can’t survive without it, but it is under threat everywhere on earth due mostly
to human development.
Wild animals and birds are a powerful connection for many people to the
natural world. So it is not surprising, with an increasing emphasis on protecting
biodiversity, that we are creating a more natural oasis and welcoming
wildlife into our backyards. Nature helps to ground us, teaching us our significance
and insignificance in the larger scheme of things while providing a
great antidote to stressful lives. A number of recent studies like that from
Carleton University’s Dr. John Zelenski are finding a strong correlation
between people’s happiness and a relationship with nature.
BRINGING NATURE INTO YOUR OWN BACKYARD
With winter approaching, there are a number of things you can do to
assist the local wildlife. Remember to frequently wash and refill your birdbath
right up until the snow comes, as all wildlife rely on a drinking source. By the
same token, drain shallow ponds and pools early so that frogs seek other shelter
before water freezes.
Leave a brush or rock pile in a corner of your property to provide welcome
a shelter for small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Dried berries on
native shrubs and coneheads on dead plants and flowers left over the winter
will not only provide food and cover for wildlife but will also help to prevent
soil erosion.
However, like relations with all neighbours, getting on with wildlife means
learning something about their habits so that conflicts can be avoided. As with
any guest, while we may enjoy a visit, we don’t want them moving into the
house with us.
It is important to know that come spring, the female of species such as
squirrels, raccoons and skunks will, out of necessity, move closer to humans.
They seek shelter in soffits, attics, chimneys and under steps so that their newborn
babies are protected from predators when they are tiny and vulnerable. If
you aren’t prepared to give a temporary grace period if this happens during the
spring, the time to do your animal-proofing is fall. There are several common
continues on Ottawa page 26
Due West/Due East Magazine • Fall 2008 Ottawa Page 24