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All life, including human life, is part of and dependent on other life. The interaction of life forms in a geographic space is called and "ecosystem". Many life forms within an ecosystem evolved together and developed many interdependent relationships. Each relies on other specific native life forms for food, shelter and reproduction. When ecosystems are damaged (e.g., a species is made extinct) it effects the other life forms in the ecosystem. Other species that evolved to be dependent on a newly extinct species will, absent suitable and numerous enough alternatives, cease to exist themselves.
Global warming poses a threat to our ecosystem. Scientific studies have found that a mass extinction of living things is well underway and unless mass extinction is stopped and reversed within 7-15 years (by 2030-2035), the Earth will become uninhabitable for humans. Extinction of plant species worsens Climate Change. Global Climate change is driven by excess carbon in the atmosphere. Plants store carbon-but not all equally. Native plants are especially good at storing carbon deeply in the earth.
We propose to restore Native Plants to Kane Park located in Larchmont, NY. Native plants provide food sources (nectar, pollen, seeds, leaves, and stems), nesting materials, and cover/protective spaces for native insects/pollinators, birds and other animals. Native plants reduce energy consumption and pollution (limited need for mowing, irrigation, etc.). they eliminate the need for fertilizers and pesticides, enhance aesthetics and visual quality that are uniquely "of this place", they protect at-risk species as well as the biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage.
The Larchmont/Mamaroneck Ecosystem is generally not so good and worsening. There are fewer trees each year, more invasive plant species. Most privately owned open space is dominated by non-native turf grass and imported flowering plants/shrubs.
Our club will work in a restoration process stratifying seeds, planting, waterings. We will choose plant species that are native to our region and grow in wild spaces that share the same core conditions (light, soil type, moisture, etc.) as present at the Kane Park planting site (and thus won't need fertilizing, long term watering, etc.) The project will include sourcing seeds that are local ecotypes and endangered species of plants native to our area and use some of the seeds from these plants, when mature, to restore other local sites.
Funds of $1000 will be allocated towards the purchase of seeds, and plants for Kane Park.
Larchmont Club members along with other volunteers will assist in the removal of non-native sod and installing native plants.
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