In the story of The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein, children are given an example of a toxic relationship. The boy only comes to the tree to take what he needs for his own life, and essentially gives the selfless tree nothing in return.
Volunteers from UCI remove invasive, non-native morning glory from the ENC.
The plot of the story by Silverstein parallels the effect invasive plants have on our native plants. When invasive plants take root, they drain all the resources native plants need to thrive and cultivate. They take, but do not give. This means the native plants slowly start to disappear from the landscape, also causing all the other species that rely on those plants to suffer and begin disappearing as well. Suddenly a perfectly crafted ecosystem vanishes.
Seep Monkeyflower, one of the many native plant that will be available for sale at the Native Plant sale on November 12.
By planting native plants, you can help the ecosystem help itself and return the natural checks and balances the environment has mastered, and eliminate the toxicity.
Visit ENC on November 12th, Valerie Bain will read The Giving Tree under the canopy of our tallest trees while your family relaxes together on a blanket or towel. Children and their adults will take a tree/plant hike, help the ENC by pulling invasive plats, then launch seed balls from the meadow deck. Afterwards you can stop by the Native Plant Sale and purchase some beautiful plants that call California home and help keep our native ecosystem thriving.
– Tori Jankovich, ENC Communications Intern