Biodiversity is a hot topic these days—and for good reason. Global extinction rates have risen dramatically, and many species are now considered “of concern.” The good news is that there are simple steps we can all take to help ensure wildlife continues to thrive. Many of these practices can even save time and money in the garden. During recent tour by Dr. Sue Gordon, participants learned to identify valuable native species and observe natural features that provide shelter, food sources, and...

You may have noticed ash trees (Fraxinus americana and Fraxinus pennsylvanica) in the garden with markings cut around their lower trunks. These intentional cuts, known as girdling, are part of a management strategy used to control the decline and eventual death of these failing ash trees.