I cannot help wondering why I have landed in this place that is so resistant to anything the locals view as a threat to their cowboy mentality. The lifeless soil that is quickly losing its ability to escape desertification, is blown across the plains to be lost forever. I am an outsider here. The people use the term tree hugger as if it was profanity.
I am making the best of this newer subdivision of duplexes. Each tiny backyard is surrounded by solid white, plastic fencing. It is so lightweight that the gates are blown off in strong winds. I assume that the fences were put there for the numerous dog owners, as they do little to provide privacy. Each resident can look down into the yards of their neighbors from their upstairs windows.
The parcelization of land continues to be a huge problem for wildlife. The unchecked construction of more houses and buildings and parking lots, for humans, puts barriers in the way of wildlife trying to reach food and shelter. The developers remove the topsoil, along with its essential microorganisms, leaving the residents with lifeless subsoil. Most of the residents do not care, but for those who are gardeners – especially organic gardeners – it can be a problem. I want to tear down the plastic fences and plant hedgerows in their place. This would allow for the safe passage of wildlife and for the possibility of their survival, as more and more of them slip towards the brink of extinction.
At great risk of ridicule from neighbors, or threats from the local authorities, I set up my compost in the alley behind the yard. The front yard, which I had spent the entire summer trying to bring back to a state of health, speaks for itself. It is now, by far, the nicest yard in the entire three block area. I know that talking to or trying to convince others of the need to stop poisoning the land would simply fall on deaf ears. Maybe; however, their curiosity will get the best of them and they will open their minds to the importance of creating habitat for other species. Regardless of whether I can spark an awakening of consciousness in the people here, I quietly rejoice in my own heart. Every time I see a native insect, bee, or bird in the space that I have created just for them, it gives me hope.
