Target: Wildlife—in addition to other specific animal targets in this section.- Importance to Food & Agr: Wildlife is an essential component of any ecosystem, and in agriculture, animals of all types are essential in delivering ecosystem services, and for proper ecosystem functioning. If out of balance, animals can become pests creating disruption and losses beyond acceptable levels. Diversity of wildlife on and around agricultural lands is a good measure of overall health.
- Issues: Synthetic chemical use by agriculture, water diversions and contamination, and wildlife control programs have adverse effects on wildlife, and along with habitat loss due to agriculture, have had dramatic effects on wildlife populations and species diversity. Regenerative and wildlife-friendly gardening, farming, and ranching are approaches designed to reverse these effects. In the broader landscape level, farms and ranches can be situated and managed to enhance the ability of far-roaming and migratory wildlife to move between suitable habitats.
- Observing Options: Any type of wildlife is worth observing, especially ones of special local concern. In particular, we recommend:
- Beavers—as described in the Water section.
- Bats.
- Threatened and endangered species.
- Birds, pollinators, dragonflies, ladybugs, and pikas as described elsewhere in this section.
- Citizen Science:
- State wildlife agencies often have reporting systems for species of interest such as Colorado’s Wildlife Reporting Forms
- Nature’s Notebook has protocols and support for monitoring a large number of animals.
- See all the other specific wildlife targets in this section.
- Getting Started Tip: Check with your state wildlife agency online or in person to find out what wildlife spotting reports they are looking for from the public in your area.
- Additional Resources:
- Farming [and Ranching] with the Wild Book from the Wild Farm Alliance.
- The Wildlife-Friendly Gardener book by Tammi Hartung.
Healthy Community Food Systems
Healthy Land, Healthy Food, Healthy People
Being Proactive—as a Community—About Climate Change in our Local Food Systems and Foodsheds
Fickle Monsoons, Summer in March, and Hot Summer Nights: Climate change is here, has been seriously affecting local agriculture, and will certainly get worse. It will take some serious effort to adjust our local food production and local food systems to the extent needed, so why not ramp up efforts now to adapt and help […]