A Witness to the Mission

 A Witness to the Mission

By Betty Krogman

Retired Urban Naturalist -- Warner Parks

Cabbage White butterfly feeding on a Zinnia

Why has Warner Park Nature Center continued to thrive for 50 years? My belief is that it is on a mission of conversion. Its mission is to be a living example of how to understand, be immersed in, and to enjoy all aspects of the natural world. Its mission is to teach the message of the interconnectedness of all life and to convert casual participants into a critical mass of people that understands that we are one with the whole natural world- one people, one Earth- and will then advocate for its protection. 

I write about one such conversion. In 2021, my friend Scott was welcomed to the Volunteer Dinner at Warner Park Nature Center. 

Monarch Butterfly feeding on an Orange Cosmos

While waiting, he sat rocking on the side porch watching the birds and other critters, but he also observed the butterflies, bees, and other insects as they flew around almost unnoticed amongst the wildflowers that were planted in the courtyard gardens. 

Knowing a bit about the importance of pollinators and how their habitat is disappearing, he had an epiphany: he would turn his Green Hills backyard into a natural garden habitat for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators, the goal being to create a totally naturalized habitat. His yard is private so the neighbors could not see or complain about “neatness” in the neighborhood.

In the following months, Scott researched habitat requirements, planted the recommended plants, built a pond with aquatic plants and tiny fish, always fussing with the balance of feed and natural sources of food, as well as aeration requirements. He hung both Hummingbird and regular birdfeeders, and did the “squirrel dance”, hoping to outwit those clever creatures.  He put-up Bluebird boxes, and planted perennials that would draw butterflies around his deck area. It was especially tricky finding wild milkweed for the Monarchs. 

Hummingbird feeding at a backyard feeder

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail feeding at Butterfly Bush

Scott's yard

Success the first year. The pond survived the famous Nashville deep freeze, lots of Hummers and other birds came to the feeders in winter and the Bluebirds nested and raised their young in the spring. Goldfinch migrated through feasting on seed in that first fall.

In the second year, Scott decided to plant his whole back yard, about half an acre containing grass and mature trees. He laid cardboard in early spring to discourage the grass, scattered pounds of wildflower seed on the former lawn, and cancelled the lawn service. 

Scott's Flowers

Great Spangled Fritillary feeding on Butterfly Bush

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Gulf Fritillary feeding on Orange Cosmos

Fall of 2023 yielded a paradise for the butterflies, birds, and other pollinators, a beautiful, naturalized landscape pleasing to the eye and an oasis of peace in this hectic world for Humans.

Once again, Mother Nature nurtures and heals.