By Rich Reis, August 8, 2019

The WES Earth Ethics Action Team developed an insect garden for all to admire and for insects to munch on. We cleared out other weeds and enriched the soil. We purchased the Joe Pye and Butterfly Weed and planted them with stakes to help them grow straight. We tamed a voracious squash plant to keep it from shading our special weeds.  

A recent study in Biological Conservation reported that 40% of insect populations are in decline including the beautiful and iconic monarch butterfly. Insects that are particularly threatened are moths and butterflies, pollinators like bees, and insects that help decompose detritus. The principal causes are habitat loss, insecticides, and climate change. 

Bees and butterflies have found and seemingly enjoyed their special garden. Look for the garden just south of the main hall at WES. Look for the EEAT announcements in News and Notes or contact Rich Reis (301-325-8001) for more information about this and other EEAT projects.