How many document their own biodiversity?

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by Equilibrium

dapjwy> very nice spidey.... very nice indeedy!!!! TimSaupe>

Thanks, Equil. I didn't make her, just took her picture.

[turttle]

I just re-found this thread after it was mentioned in Philip's 'introduce me' thread. I started documenting my biodiversity, both animals and plants, with photos and an excel spreadsheet, after reading this thread earlier. I need to do a project for my Certificate in Native Plant Studies, and I'm hoping this will count (or my pollinator garden, which I'm documenting, too). My kids think I'm completely crazy and have OCD about it, but it is interesting and may someday be useful to someone, who knows?

[dapjwy]

I stumbled upon this older thread and thought I'd bump it up.

I've been trying to document what I have and what wildlife has visited the yard through blogging...however, I find that it is hardly a comprehensive list. Too often I post something here instead of there, or never get around to posting everything I think I will.

Also, I'd like to create an actual list--all in one place--of what have. Recently, I've been spotting a pair of indigo buntings, a bald eagle (flying overhead, but I count that as "visiting our yard", a yet to be identified bird...I'm thinking thrasher, but have yet to get a clear picture, and a (new to me) butterfly or moth.

I'll need to get more disciplined and keep an actual list--and hopefully a photo of each. I may need some help with some of the scientific names.

So, anyone else documenting your biodiversity? Any suggestions for keeping a list? I'd like to do it on my computer, but maybe the old-fashioned way is better. Any suggestions of doing it some where on the WG so it is all in one place and maybe others could do the same?

[havalotta]

Myself, I make labeled maps of all my plantings per bed.

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by havalotta

Myself, I make labeled maps of all my plantings per bed.

I'd love to identify every tree and label them on a "floor plan/blueprint" of our yard. (What is that called...it is late, and my mind hasn't been cooperating with me for months now?)

I'd like to label the trees, then maybe list the shrubs and wildflowers underneath the canopy and such. ...but I also, probably need a list.

It would be cool to be able to zoom in on what is planted in each section--kind of like Google Maps but on the level of my two acres.

[havalotta]

It would be cool to be able to zoom in on what is planted in each section--kind of like Google Maps but on the level of my two acres.

Oh wouldn't it be!
I was thinking about taking photos of the various areas BEFORE the plants come up in the spring and the bushes have filled with leaves....
Then proceed into paint to label the areas to get THE perfect replica of them.

[Gloria]

Tim reached 200 species identified in his own backyard habitat this year. Since he has not updated this thread in awhile I thought you might like to know.

So the list stands at 200. It is already past that mark as I type this, truth to tell. And the Habitat is due to undergo a major renovation starting next year. It's time to take it to another level.
In closing, I would urge anyone who takes the time to read this to buy an oak or other native tree the next time you need one in your yard (if you have the space for an oak). Don't follow everyone else and buy a smells-like dead-fish-in-the-spring foreign pear. Leave that garbage for someone else. Buy native viburnums, itea or native hollies instead of boring boxwoods, burning bush or barberries. Dig up some of that water-hogging chemical fertilizer loving lawn and plant a bed of wildflowers. Spend time with your kids gazing at busy bees instead. It may touch your soul as well

[Equilibrium]

I remember him!!! He worked for a nursery or something and was doing a bang up job planting natives in his back yard. He did a butterfly bash for charity or something too which was way cool. I remember he posted some photos of the area he was working in. I bet he finished that area and the hard work's paying off if he's up to 200!!! He's on the mark recommending an oak but what a hoot that he said, "Don't follow everyone else and buy a smells-like dead-fish-in-the-spring foreign pear." Native oaks are for sure a better choice than those Calleryana pears that DO smell pretty bad yet.... everyone plants em. Go figure when a native oak can support literally hundreds of species.
--
I saved something about native trees and the biodiversity they're capable of supporting from Tallamy's book.... we're talking they can support the motherload... gotta find it.... be back.

[Equilibrium]

This is for the Mid Atlantic region but same holds true for us. The mighty native oak is numero uno!!! You've probably already seen this so this is more a list of options for anyone else who's not interested in planting those nasty non-native "ornamental" stink pears the nursery industry is still pushing....

[Gloria]

Thanks for putting that list up. Nice selection of natives and it is inspiring to see some numbers associated with what we are doing to increase biodiversity.