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   We have been taught throughout the ages that everything is connected, much like a spider web. When one strand is cut, it affects the integrity of the web. When enough strands are damaged, the web fails, and the spider must begin again.

   The insects and small creatures of this world are truly amazing, but they do tend to get a bit overwhelming when we go outside during the warm months of the year. If you are not protected by clothing or chemical concoctions, it can be daunting. This has created an industry that alleviates the socalled pests, leaving yards, towns, and parks almost void of flying, crawling, and slithering creatures that are an integral part of the web of life.  When the mosquitoes disappear, this has a profound effect on so many other creatures. Birds, bats, dragonflies, spiders, fish and so many others rely on these flying creatures as food. When one strand is damaged, it affects the integrity of the web. Spider webs on houses have become a sort of taboo, so they get sprayed with chemicals to kill them, so as not to clutter homes and structures. In the past, people simply took a broom and swept the cob webs from their homes. Current technology now allows us to use electric blowers to accomplish the same task. This temporarily dismantles the webs but keeps the spiders and other creatures alive. If we continue down the path of chemical annihilation, we as humans will feel the effects of the collapse of the web because we are part of it, not separate from it.

Our food supply is directly tied to insects, pollinators, and predators. Every living being plays a part in the web of life. Our goal now should be to create balance and stability in the web so that future generations of all life will have a healthy, diverse existence. Let’s create healthy landscapes that promote diversity of all kinds. 

   For more information on healthy landscapes, please contact Jim Etzel at 218-252-3258 or www.earthisourhome.net

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