Should we let insects have their way in our gardens?

Patricia Sabolsky, a volunteer in our pollinator garden at Parque Juarez, came across a very interesting article on gardening for insects and the reason why gardeners are changing their mind about what’s beautiful in the garden.  The first thought that came to mind after reading this article was “caterpillars, come on down,” followed by “but, wait a minute, what about those sap-sucking whitefly varmints who make the salvia leaves look like swiss cheese every year at this time?”

While the article Why You Should Let Insects Eat Your Plants does not speak directly to white flies, it does delve into the benefits of nurturing biodiversity in our gardens, especially because insect populations, world-wide, are declining and “…along with other invertebrates they are our pollinators, predators, decomposers, soil engineers and simply food for other animals, changes in their diversity and abundance can have profound consequences for how our landscapes function and human well-being.”*

*The Silent Extinction of Insects.  Dr. Tomás Murray, National Biodiversity Data Centre

Another good insect article from TecScience, Tecnologío de Monterrey

If you are wondering which caterpillar is munching on the leaves of your plants, this handy chart will help you recognize many of our common butterflies at the caterpillar stage.

click on image to enlarge

Planting Seeds for Positive Change

At Audubon de Mexico, we strive to foster a love for the natural world in our students through bird and nature studies, habitat planting, and vegetable gardens. By immersing our students in the outdoors, we inspire wonder, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for nature to empower them to become active participants in securing a healthy and sustainable future.

Benefits and Impact of School Gardens

Our school gardens are natural laboratories for learning that bring to life lessons in science, art, math, nutrition and environmental awareness and conservation.  In this video, principals and teachers at schools where gardening has become integrated into the curriculum, discuss the powerful impact of school gardens.    Watch now

Students in our 2024 graduating 6th grade classes were asked to write about their experience in our Ninos y Naturaleza program.  Erick’s  sentiments beautifully capture our highest ambitions for the impact of this program:  Fostering awareness, a caring attitude, a sense of belonging, and the knowledge that their actions can and do make a positive difference. 

“This workshop was something very meaningful because we worked very hard with a lot of effort, camaraderie, friendship and, above all, love. All of us did our part to help the earth. The truth is, it was something very beautiful and unforgettable. Thank you for everything.”  Erick Juan Monzón Rachees

Bringing learning to life through School Gardens

MONTHLY BIRDWALKS

Take a Walk on the Wildside!

Our monthly birdwalks take place the 3rd Saturday of every month in a countryside location. 

Join our expert birders who will help you to explore and know the birds of San Miguel.   Enjoy the company of others who love to get outside to enjoy nature! Open to all birders, beginning and experienced alike.

To register for the Saturday, November 16 birdwalk, send us an email at:  audubonsmabirdwalks@gmail.com