Coming Soon! MCD’s Microhabitat Program
Thank you to Village & Wilderness for the StartUp Award grant to help support habitat development, use of native plants & and waterwise landscaping in our backyards.
According to Village and Wilderness, Microhabitats:
Restore biodiversity by providing food, shelter, and corridors for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife
Buffer communities against climate stress by cooling neighborhoods, absorbing stormwater, and reducing flooding
Improve ecosystem services such as air quality, soil health, and water filtration
Foster stewardship and connection by bringing neighbors together in visible, hands-on action
MCD’s program aims to address 1) urban/suburban landscape fragmentation and ensuing insect and wildlife habitat degradation in our District, 2) Landowners’ (or stewards’) landscapes populated with non-native plants that reduce biodiversity and can impede water conservation, and 3) social dissociation in our community from nature and wildlife leading to increased mental health outcomes, and reduced stewardship in our community.
Did you know? According to a Colorado State University (CSU) fact sheet, “studies have shown that native plants are four times more attractive to native bees than introduced ornamentals,” (Source: CSU, “Wild About Natives: Native Plants for Colorado Pollinators | Denver Gardeners,” 5/21/2021).
You can do it! Elements of backyard microhabitats include use of native plants to mimic natural/native ecosystems, promotion of blooming native plants for pollinators throughout the growing season, reduced use of chemicals, and leaving fallen leaves, rocks, or brush piles to provide wildlife shelter.
