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I did not expect “I planted this cool living fossil to celebrate a big milestone!” to bring out all the people shaming me, an ecologist, for not planting a species that provides more ecosystem services.
Maybe joy is the ecosystem service?
Maybe joy is the ecosystem service?
I’m genuinely happy people are enthusiastic about the environment, and are advocating for ecological landscaping. But one tree in an urban neighborhood full of trees in a state that has 16,000 trees per person is not going to be the deciding factor in whether bees go extinct.
I also planted a white pine, which is wind-pollinated, as are most of the trees here, but I doubt anyone would give me crap about that. I also planted a perennial garden full of native pollinator-friendly plants. We’re replacing the invasive Japanese barberry with native shrubs.
But I shouldn’t have to say that. My reasons for picking a ginkgo should be good enough.
It’s okay to love a species for beauty, or a good story. One tree or one yard (or one person) isn’t going to solve this mess. So let’s have less shame, and more space for joy and wonder.
It’s okay to love a species for beauty, or a good story. One tree or one yard (or one person) isn’t going to solve this mess. So let’s have less shame, and more space for joy and wonder.
(Except fossil fuel executives and elected officials who aren’t doing enough; feel free to shame away.)