Resources

(updated 3.13.2024)

Handouts from Presentations by Terri

Gardening for Eco-function and Biodiversity

Many individuals and groups make a strong argument that gardens and landscapes need to focus on eco-functions that support biodiversity as well as beauty. Native plants are essential to this vision. Dr. Doug Tallamy is probably the most notable author, speaker, and advocate of gardening for eco-function and biodiversity. He is the TA Baker Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware.

Presentation by Doug Tallamy for the National Wildlife Federation

Doug Tallamy books

Other Gardening for Eco-function and Biodiversity Resources

Bibliography

Selecting Native Plants

Native Plant Nurseries and Services (Delaware, Ohio area)

Insects and Creatures

Organizations

  • The Caterpillar Lab
  • Delaware County Master Gardener Association
    The mission of DCMGA is to teach environmentally sound, research-based gardening practices to the citizens of Delaware County under the auspices of The Ohio State University Extension of Delaware County.
  • Homegrown National Park
    A grassroots call-to-action to regenerate biodiversity and ecosystem function by planting native plants and creating new ecological networks.
  • Ohio Native Plant Month
    Educates “the public about the importance of native plants as food to all wildlife, including humans.” Also, facilitates “communication across the State of Ohio supporting all native plant activities and events.”
  • Ohio Invasive Plants Council
    The Ohio Invasive Plants Council is a coalition of agencies, organizations, and individuals throughout Ohio concerned about the introduction, spread, and control of invasive, non-native plants in Ohio’s natural habitats.
  • Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association
    The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association (ONAPA) is an all-volunteer, state-wide, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of Ohio’s natural areas.
  • Midwest Native Plant Society: Connecting People & Nature
    Mission– “Advocate the vital role of native plants in the landscape to preserve ecological integrity and to connect people with nature.”
  • National Wildlife Federation
  • Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes promotes environmentally sound landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration and establishment of native plant communities.
  • Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
    The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats.

Blogs, Podcasts and Newsletters

Tools for Identification and Citizen Science

  • BugGuide.net
    An online resource devoted to North American insects, spiders and their kin, offering identification, images, and information.
  • iNaturalist
    One of the world’s most popular nature apps, iNaturalist helps you identify the plants and animals around you. Get connected with a community of over a million scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature!
  • Butterflies and Moths of North America
    Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA) is an ambitious effort to collect, store, and share species information and occurrence data. You can participate by taking and submitting photographs of butterflies, moths, and caterpillars. Species profiles!
  • vTree app
    Virginia Tech Tree Identification app. It contains fact sheets for 969 woody plants from all over North America with an in-depth description, range map and thousands of color images of leaves, flowers, fruit, twigs, bark and form.