“Nature is changing, and we can’t hold it steady, so we have to find a way to protect it while it shifts.”
Mark Anderson The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Science, Eastern U.S.
Knowing that Floyd is in part of a critical corridor for wildlife and biodiversity, SustainFloyd is interested in developing ways to protect diversity in our area. Changes in the climate, changes in land use, increases in pollution and waste, and a growing population all present challenges for our local species. Starting with small steps, we seek to find ways to protect nature while it shifts.
This slide presentation gives a quick outline of the issues relating to biodiversity that stand in front of us.
There are many ways that individuals can help here
Make Wildlife Welcome
Plant trees
Choose pollinator plants for the garden
Grow mast plants to provide food for local wildlife
Provide food and water for wildlife where appropriate
Avoid pesticides and herbicides to protect biodiversity in the soil and beyond
Make Clean Life Style Choices
Choose organically grown local foods, or grow your own
Choose non-toxic cleaning and personal care products
Reduce, reuse and recycle to reduce environmental pollution
Walk, cycle or ride-share to reduce pollution from traffic
Be a smart shopper-avoid single use and ‘throw away’ items
Share Your Love of Nature
Spend time outside looking and learning about local biodiversity
Introduce friends and family to places you love in the great outdoors
Talk about ways to support our local living world
Volunteer and support local environmental groups
Native Plant Lists
The links below provide lists of plants native to Floyd County according to the Atlas of the Virginia Flora, plants which are satisfying to cultivate, and that by being native we hope will strengthen Floyd’s ecosystems. The Bee, Butterfly & Hummingbird list is essentially a list of nectar sources arranged in approximate bloom order. The Keystone Species list focuses on plants that support Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth caterpillars)–a critical link in the food chain for birds and mammals. The Restoration Shrubs and Trees list includes species that combine vigor, often rapid growth and strong contributions to life webs. Many of the plants on both lists have the added value of being beautiful and fragrant.
Floyd Flower Power, a committee of Partnership for Floyd is doing some great work bringing more flowers into our area with a series of local plantings. Check out their projects here: https://floydflowerpower.com/
