The Gardens of Joshua Tree

A while back several residents proposed we start a gardening group here in Joshua Tree. This is a wonderful idea. Let us get together to exchange views for the mutual beautification of Joshua Tree. What a pleasure gardening brings, not only to the gardener, but also to those fortunate enough to pass by. There are some beautiful gardens on Hillview, south of the highway. It is worth a drive to see all the lovely yards. I am sure there are other wonderful areas and if you would like them highlighted just let me know. There is no better place to renew your spirit. Join in this joyful gardening revolution occurring all across the country. Fill your life with color, the chorus of bird song, and the wonderful aroma of fresh flowers. Let us garden in Joshua Tree.

Last year this writer applied for certification of my yard as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. I received certification after a bit of study and a change in my attitude toward gardening. The first step in planning a habitat is to assess the space as it is now and identify any elements that are already beneficial to wildlife. To become certified it is necessary to employ environmentally sensitive gardening techniques and provide the four major elements of a natural habitat: food, water, cover, and places to raise young. It is possible to have an entire community certified as a habitat. Many of the elements are present in Joshua Tree to bring this dream to fruition. At this time only one other California community is certified. (Alpine, in Northern California)

Why should we make this effort? Habitat loss is the greatest threat to the grand variety of life forms that live on Earth. No matter where we are, we can make a difference and have a positive impact on our local environment. Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. This is a call to action. I challenge this community to play a vital role in the necessary process of conserving habitat for wildlife and building a better sense of community as we do so.

The very first requirement to meet before applying for certification is to have 15 yards certified individually. Are there 14 of you out there who will join with me to begin? Some of the other things we can do is to work on habitat projects at schools; assist as educators at nature centers; participate in formal data collecting and monitoring projects in the community. We can organize an action campaign to conserve natural habitats in our village.

What are some of the rewards? Here is a page from my journal.

As the sun begins to light the eastern sky the dawn chorus begins. Imagine the joyous sound of hundreds of birds singing all together. Manmade alarm clocks are not needed near the habitat. The trees in every yard nearby provide homes for the myriad bird species that daily visit the various feeders provided in the habitat. New species are visiting every day. A Robin stopped by to say hello and give the place a once over. An entire clan of Cowbirds spent a whole day at the feeding table, terrorizing the other birds. A sleek Phainopepla came by for a quick bath and a drink. A Sharp-Shinned Hawk spent one morning sitting at the birdbath scanning the habitat. That was the quietest morning I have ever had. Scott's Orioles are regular visitors to the Hummingbird feeders and a Western Tanager came by last week. A Grosbeak family is nesting nearby and they come to eat or drink frequently.

There are Mockingbirds that serenade me all during the night and Scrub Jays and Cactus Wrens whose raucous calls keep me company during the day. The comic Scrub Jays put on quite a show dancing around on their long legs and sharpening beaks on the wrought iron benches. They sure love the peanuts I've added to the feeding table.

The Mockingbirds have a nest in the large tree behind the habitat. One morning a curious Crow came a little too close to the nest and Papa Mockingbird took out after him, scolding and pecking at the poor Crow until he flew off in defeat. A Le Conte Thrasher eats the ants and runs circles around the rose bushes. He likes to go as fast as he can from one side of the yard to the other. There seems to be no sense in what he's doing. What characters I love to watch the antics of different species at the feeder. A dove, unwilling to give up his feeding, puffs himself up to twice his normal size and ruffles his feathers whenever a Jay comes to the table.Most of the other birds just fly up into the trees until the Jay leaves. This dove thinks that if he looks big enough the Jay won't bother him and it's working.

Of course there are many Gambel Quail families whose babies range from tiny newborns to nearly grown birds. Their nests are in the Jojoba bushes behind the habitat, but they spend a good portion of each day eating in the habitat. The tiny new babies are about 2 inches long, and are so cute. Their tiny little feet scratch at the ground looking for treats just like the parents.They climb on the side of the ground level birdbath and take little sips. It's amazing they don't fall over into the water. The Quail babies in the habitat are really growing. Some can fly up into the trees behind the feeder and there are so many of them they look like Christmas tree ornaments. Mom and Dad are still very protective. One Quail Dad is missing his tail; lucky for him that's all he lost.

I had a most extraordinary experience with a Cactus Wren who came into the house through the dog's door, and then tried to fly through the front window. My son tried to entice the agitated visitor to the screen door that he was holding open but Mr. Wren flew up to the top of a picture frame and hung there panting in fear. I waved a tissue at him to get him to fly toward the door. Instead, he landed on my shoulder and calmly sat there. I slowly walked outside and once I reached the yard he flew off to safety. What a wonderful experience!!

Many baby birds are regulars in the habitat. The garden looks like a nursery now with lots of baby sparrows, finches, orioles and doves. Mourning Doves are constant companions, and a myriad variety of Finches and Sparrows are permanent fixtures. The squirrels come by to fill their neck pouches with sunflower seeds and tiny chipmunks come to drink. A rabbit family comes to feed on the new green leaves. The habitat is really a busy place.

I don't have an accurate count of the numbers visiting the habitat, but this is a busy time. There is a flurry of activity around the hummingbird feeders. The Hummingbirds also visit the flowers regularly sipping nectar and distributing pollen. A favorite activity of the hummingbirds' is bathing on large fresh leaves as I water. They flutter their wings and stroke their head, neck and sides on the wet surface. They are unafraid of the water and fly in and out of the spray. After the cooling shower they perch on a near-by shrub and preen themselves while they sunbathe. This writer can spend hours just watching all the antics. What pleasure the habitat brings.

If there is any interest in joining with me to create a community habitat I would love to hear from you. Call me at 366-0149 from 8:00 a.m. to 5p.m. any day or E-Mail me at Chigger86@Hotmail.com

Happy gardening.