We’ve scanned the media – in print and online – for items of interest to ELA’s ecologically focused audience.
ELA News – October 2019
Learn about upcoming programs and find out what’s happening within the organization.
Goats as an Ecological Management Option for Invasive Plants
by Sandy Vorce
“Gotta get a goat” was the author’s mantra a decade ago as she struggled against bittersweet, buckthorn, and multiflora rose to regain a portion of meadow at Mass Audubon’s property in Belmont, MA. Her wish was granted, and the property now successfully utilizes a four-hoofed crew for control of invasive plants. Read the article.
Native Plants Shine in Streambank Restoration
by Krissy Boys
Four years after replacement of a streambank water control structure, native grasses, sedges, and forbs planted at the site have become well established. Most species are thriving and have propagated themselves by self-sowing in the streambank gardens. Only two species out of 58 genera completely failed.
Controlling Invasive Species During Restoration
Contributions by Julie Snell and Ellen Snyder
Invasive plants can cause significant challenges at restoration sites. We asked ELA two members to share their experiences managing invasive plants and to offer tips for success.
From Wasteland to Wildflower Meadow at Greenfield Community College
by Maureen Sundberg
A campus wildflower meadow tucked onto a slope at Greenfield Community College was designed as part of a larger outdoor learning lab that includes a botanical garden, wetland garden, permaculture garden, and raingarden. Two years after planting, the meadow has become an oasis of learning for students across the academic spectrum.
Climate News Round-Up: The Power of Trees!
by Angela Laws
Why is photosynthesis relevant to climate change? Because it is the process by which plants remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it – a process known as carbon sequestration – and they’re very good at it, especially trees.
Eco-Answers from the Pros: Managing Invasive Honeysuckle
I run an organic landscape design/build, and we constantly are dealing with honeysuckle removal. Currently our eradication method involves cutting the honeysuckle down to the stump and applying an organic…
Eco-Answers from the Pros: What Should I Do with Leaves?
I am a groundskeeper who is trying to manage my grounds in a more ecological manner. I currently mulch (chop into tiny bits with the lawnmower) my leaves and leave the mulch on the lawn. I’m wondering would it be better for me to leave the leaves whole and let them blow around where they may. Or perhaps collecting them and dumping them into nearby non-lawn naturalized areas? Any insight you can provide is very helpful.
Gleanings from Headline News – September 2019
We’ve scanned the media – in print and online – for items of interest to ELA’s ecologically focused audience.
ELA News – September 2019
Learn about upcoming programs and find out what’s happening within the organization.
Eco-Answers from the Pros: Designing Complementary Sun and Shade Gardens
I can’t figure out how to have a shade bed complement the sun bed directly across from it – it’s not that things have to be matchy-matchy, but the brickwork makes them a symmetrical pair of beds. I am having trouble finding shade plants that I can combine into an ecological design, except low groundcovers and short woodland plants, and I am having a hard time visualizing what would work right across the bed of climbing roses, lambs ears, baptisa, gaura, japanese anemones, euphorbia, and salvia. ANY suggestions would be so, so appreciated. I am completely stumped!
