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62 OCTOBER 2021 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY LORI DRAZ AND ANN SHERWOOD
The wildlife creatures that surround us not only bring beauty and companionship.
They – be they mammal, bird, reptile and insect – are also a
part of the natural ecosystem. These native animals need help surviving
learn more about creating and preserving a more naturally supportive environment,
The Journal turned to Ann Sherwood, cofounder of the Monmouth
Invasive Species Strike Team and lifelong environmentalist.
“By mid-October, the ruby-throated hummingbirds are well on their
way to Central America,” Sherwood said. “Monarchs have started their mi-
their to-do list to prepare their house and garden for winter, so do the other
creatures that stick around New Jersey. Some, like the white tail deer, have
adapted their metabolism to survive on their fat stores and can no longer
digest the green plants of summer. Squirrels have spent weeks painstakingly
stashing supplies. Birds look for cozy places to shelter from the cold,
creatures depend on the remnants of summer for survival as they have for
millions of years.
“According to the Audubon Society, using leaves to mulch, creating
brush piles, leaving the stems of ornamental grasses and seed heads in
place provides wintering creatures with food and shelter. Of course, diseased
Colts Neck Mayor Michael Viola with volunteer Lester Martin and Colts Neck Shade Tree
Commission members Melinda Martin, Eileen Stivala, and Pat Eastman
plant material should be disposed of to prevent contaminating next years’ garden. There is plenty of time to clean up in the spring.
“Fall is a great time to identify and eliminate invasive plants
which crowd out healthy habitats. Cut back invasive vines at ground
level and again as high above the ground as you can reach. Treating
plants by painting herbicide directly on cut stems allows the herbicide
to be carried into the roots. This method prevents contaminating plants
you want to keep. The New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team website
(fohvos.info/invasive-species-strike-team/info-center/) is a good
resource for more information about restoring healthy habitats.
“Thinking ahead to spring, planting spring bulbs, adding compost
and pruning shrubs that don’t need this year’s growth for blooming
are great ways to anticipate spring as the days get shorter. Native
species for some part of their life cycle. Incorporate some native plants
into your landscape such as wild geranium (Geranium maculate), yellow
wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), and Virginia bluebells (Mertensia
virginica) to provide nectar for bees and early spring pollinators.”
The Monmouth Invasive Species Strike Team is dedicated to restoring
healthy habitats through collaboration of communities and
-
cies. Local strike teams are now working with Eatontown and Ocean
Township Environmental Commissions as well as the Colts Neck Shade
Tree Commission. Volunteers in Eatontown are working at the F. Bliss
Price Arboretum and in Ocean at Joe Palaia Park. Volunteers from Colts
manage vines in the greenways.
If you want to learn more about restoring healthy habitats
or would like to start a strike team in your neighborhood, email
MISST774@gmail.com.
“The doctors and staff have such compassion and a genuine love for animals.
Their sensitivity, kindness was a comfort to us after we lost our pet. I would
highly recommend them as the only vet you will ever want to use.”
—Anne, a customer for life
732-268-8180 · HappyTailsVetNJ.com
827 Broad St · Suite 7 Gerard Plaza · Shrewsbury
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