Stewardship Series! 馃尶 Now that most of our fall migratory birds have passed through our area it's time to start thinking about prepping our properties for winter. One important step you should take is to help build habitat for native pollinators. You can do this by leaving the stems of your native plants to naturally breakdown. 馃惁馃悵 If you prefer a tidier look leave the stems 6 to 24 inches long when you cut them back in the late winter or early spring. Allowing these sections of the stems to remain in your garden will provide habitat for stem nesting bees. Next year the new growth will help hide the old cuttings. Make sure to leave the stems in your garden for at least 2-3 years to give the pollinators time to complete their fully life cycles. Preferably just allow them to breakdown naturally in your garden. 馃摳 ERA Staff [Image Description: deadheaded flowers; stems with dead flowers on them; deadheaded flowers] #protectwhatmatters #naturelovers #Stewardship #enoriver
