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6 2019 STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT <br />in the Natural & Cultural Systems Goal and plan for how to <br />achieve biodiversity goals. <br />Ecological Citizens <br />At the individual level, land owners can enhance or diminish <br />wildlife habitat through their landscaping practices. Native plants <br />tend to have more wildlife value than introduced species -- even <br />those that appear to be good for wildlife. For example, Butterfly <br />Bush (Buddleja davidii) is a popular shrub whose abundant <br />nectaries attracts swarms of butterflies in the summer. Its foliage, <br />however, is a food desert for caterpillars, which are a critical food <br />during breeding season for many bird species. Native herbaceous <br />forbs such as Joe-Pye Weed and shrubs like Mapleleaf Viburnum <br />are both aesthetically pleasing and adapted to our climate and <br />local food web. <br />Recommended Actions <br />Actions for BOCC <br />• Work with the Commission for the Environment to review the <br />status of objectives under Natural & Cultural Systems Goal 7. <br />• The current UDO specifies that the list of preferred plants for <br />development projects “shall include…native species.” It is <br />unclear whether such a list is actually available. Based on <br />anecdotal observations by CFE members, native species are <br />often underutilized new developments. The BOCC should <br />consider a policy that encourages landscaping with native <br />species. <br />• On all new county buildings, especially those with designs <br />that include large windows, consider requiring measures that <br />prevent bird-window collisions. <br />• Free-roaming and feral cats are a predation threat to ground <br />and shrub nesting birds such as Eastern Meadowlarks <br />and Wood Thrush, two species in decline locally. The Free <br />Roaming Cats Task Force charge included wildlife protection. <br />The BOCC should continue to support the Animal Services <br />Board in working on this problem. <br />Eastern Bluebird <br />Joe-Pye Weed <br />Actions for citizens <br />• Monitor your local environment and contribute to science <br />through citizen science projects like ebird and inaturalist. <br />• Replace landscaping plants with native species. The NC <br />Cooperative Extension Going Native site and the NC Botanical <br />Gardens are excellent resources for planting ideas. <br />"UUBDINFOU <br />DRAFT