Tonto Basin’s chapter of the AZ Native Plant Society will host a book discussion and potluck from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 2 (Friday – Groundhog Day!) at the chapter president’s home and garden at 268 E. Stephens Way in Tonto Basin, behind the Desert Community Christian Fellowship Church and VFW off Highway 188. Follow the signs behind the church to guide you to the meeting.
After the book discussion is a potluck and garden walk. Membership is not required to attend any of the group’s events but is encouraged. If you’d like to attend the February meeting please RSVP to Becky Settje at 972-816-6907 or email tontobasinnativeplants@gmail.com.
The book they’ll discuss is Douglas W. Tallamy’s “Bringing Nature Home.” Tallamy is professor and chair of the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware.
Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. It’s not necessary to read the book to attend – the morning’s presentation will share valuable information about using native plant species in your backyard. The New York Times wrote about the book, “A fascinating study of the trees, shrubs, and vines that feed the insects, birds, and other animals in the suburban garden.”
The book’s synopsis on Amazon states: “As development and habitat destruction accelerate, there are increasing pressures on wildlife populations. In ‘Bringing Nature Home,’ Douglas W. Tallamy reveals the unbreakable link between native plant species and native wildlife – native insects cannot, or will not, eat alien plants. When native plants disappear, the insects disappear, impoverishing the food source for birds and other animals. But there is an important and simple step we can all take to help reverse this alarming trend: Everyone with access to a patch of earth can make a significant contribution toward sustaining biodiversity by simply choosing native plants. By acting on Douglas Tallamy’s practical and achievable recommendations, we can all make a difference."
