By Paul Noeldner
Wisconsin Master Naturalist Instructor
The New Year is a good time to reflect on the past and opportunities for the future, especially as nature lovers. A World Wildlife Fund report (worldwildlife.org/press-releases/half-of-global-wildlife-lost-says-new-wwf-report) documents the stunning fact that, on average, we have lost an average of 50 percent of vertebrate populations since 1970. This average loss means that, while some species did not lose 50 percent, other species have lost much more. This loss, occurring around the world, affects all of us since all life on earth — from the food we eat to the oxygen we breath and the water we drink — depends on a healthy natural world with cycles of profusion of various species, not just a bare minimum surviving.
Given this rather serious news, what are our opportunities for the coming New Year and the future? What can we do as individuals in Northside Madison, and as members of a civil society, to make a difference? We can individually make resolutions that will help us and coming generations of children and wildlife live happy lives while accommodating a healthy natural world right where we live. Here are some suggestions:
Every Day: Make a resolution to maximize outdoor time. This is good for everyone, especially children, because spending time in nature is documented to be good for overall mental and emotional well-being and a sense of community, as well as physical health and support for the health of nearby nature. It’s a small step but a good one for you and those you love.
Next Summer: Make a resolution to mow less and plant natives. If you don’t have a yard, help support that choice in our ordinances and institutions. Planting more native flower beds and native trees like oaks in place of lawns and ornamental trees will give our native bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife more to eat and more places to thrive. Natural areas and native trees in every yard also help to clean our lakes, and added natural vegetation reduces climate change impacts.
Long-term plans: Make a resolution to make smart choices in life. If you are planning where to live, look at how easy it is to walk or bike to work, school and stores. This also adds outdoor time.
Big Choices: Make a resolution to support good science, good government, shared services, fair rules, workable solutions (even if imperfect) and leaders who try to listen to facts and care about those who are different, including all living things. Climate change is having huge impacts on life on earth — record-setting floods and massive forest fires — that are causing suffering and immense costs for humans and wildlife. Denying climate change is not cheap or smart. We can’t do everything as individuals. We must work together when shared goals are important and the challenges are big.
Make a New Year’s resolution to help individually and as a responsible member of society. Future generations — children and critters — will thank you.