In early March, ten of us UUs, some long-timers and some new explorers, gathered at the church to learn more about our rich North American ecosystems, and to add to our respective bags-of-tricks for native gardening. It was good to be together!

• Did you ever think about how many caterpillars it takes to feed one clutch of baby birds? Doug Tallamy did, and he told us, and…it was a lot! Many thousands!
• A Bradford pear tree hosts a paucity of caterpillars and barely contributes to growing baby birds, but…
• In contrast, one Oak or Wild Cherry tree serves as a home, and food, for a tremendous number of caterpillar individuals of a great variety of species, in turn supporting the lives of many birds. How cool is that?

When we gardeners are out on the church grounds on these spring days, planting, pruning, and weeding, it feels like important work. There is a strong sense that we are very fortunate to experience the beauty and comforting presence of these plants and animals who live here with us … and, that we are equally fortunate to be together with one another!

Interested in the Grounds Team and the beautiful work they do for our church? Email us to get involved.

Carol Arnold, Grounds Team Chair