The DU Lounge

The problem is that when you just "let your yard go" it can become a vector for alien plants that can and will invade other areas. That is a destructive force and there is an ongoing and expanding crisis of habitat loss and the impact that has on biodiversity. So, not to shame anyone, and people are going to do whatever they want to do, but it would be nice if people at least were willing to learn about the problem and consider doing the responsible thing.

Trifolium repens - European clover - is in my experience a relatively minor problem in restoration projects, but that is only in comparison to some of the really nightmarish problem species such as Autumn olive, Myrtle, Spotted knapweed, Japanese pachysandra, Bradford pear, etc. Myrtle is spreading rapidly here and displacing dozens of native woodland species. That seriously degrades the habitat.

If a person wanted to keep Norway rats in their yard as pets, I guess that is their business. But should the neighbors be forced to deal with that when the rats inevitably come into their yard? A lot of time and work and resources went into protecting and restoring some natural areas here. Is it fair that someone next to the preserve plants Myrtle or Japanese pachysandra that then migrates into the preserve and requires expensive mediation? Or should we not bother trying to preserve or restore natural areas? Should we not bother trying to protect species that are at risk?

There are some big money commercial interests involved in this discussion, the landscaping, lawn are, pesticide, ride a mower, weed whipper, and nursery industries, and they are fighting back against those who are trying to encourage people to be mindful and responsible about the environment. They will win, of course, as they have the money and the influence and have thoroughly brainwashed the public, but we soldier on for the benefit of those who come after us and hopefully will live in a more enlightened time.