Advice from Owlie - California Biodiversity Week 2024

 Q: Dear Owlie, 

I’m new to your blog, and I’m so excited to have discovered your column! There’s so much valuable information here, and I can’t wait to share it with my friends and family. I’m currently studying ecosystems in school, and after a recent visit to the Chino Creek Wetlands Park, I’ve been wondering—what exactly is biodiversity, and why is it so important for places like the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park?

Sincerely, 
Wetlands Wonderer

A: Dear Wetlands Wonderer,
 
What a great question! 🌍 At the Park, we are actually celebrating California’s biodiversity this week. 😊 Let me break it down for you. 🌿

Biodiversity is the variety of all life on Earth, and it is what makes Earth so special! California boasts more species of plants and animals than any other state in the nation. From the tiniest insects to the tallest trees, every species plays a role in keeping our ecosystem healthy.
In fact, California’s communities and economy depend on its biodiversity, which forms the complex ecosystem that makes up California’s iconic landscapes. At the Chino Creek Wetlands, our diverse habitats support a vast array of life—plants, animals, and even microscopic organisms.

🌱 Why does biodiversity matter?

Some examples that may paint you a more vivid picture can be found in my home, the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park.

• Bees and butterflies are pollinator friends and are part of the ecosystem. Their work help pollinate the plants that give us food.
• Wetlands filter and clean water naturally, including the duckweed you can occasionally find on the surface of our Park ponds during warmer months.

Another often overlooked reason biodiversity matters is soil health. Diverse, climate-appropriate plants contribute to richer, more fertile soil, which in turn grows large, healthy plants that fill the atmosphere with rich oxygen for people and for all of my wetland pals! 🦉🦆🐰🐝🦋🐞🦎

Did you know that 75% of Earth’s land and 85% of the Earth’s wetland areas are significantly altered by human activities, leading to a loss in biodiversity? Let us work together to protect and preserve the interconnected web of life that sustains us all.

👧👦 Please share these three tips with your friends and family to help contribute toward the Earth’s biodiversity health:

• Consider planting California native plants: They provide food and shelter for local wildlife.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Less waste means healthier habitats.
• No littering: Keep our Park and communities clean for all species by throwing away your trash and recyclables in the appropriate bins.

Let’s work together to protect California’s amazing biodiversity – not just during California Biodiversity Week, but every week!🌎✨

Thanks for your question, Wetlands Wonderer! Stay curious and keep exploring the wonders of nature at the Chino Creek Wetlands!
 
I’ll talk to you all soo(HOO)n!
 
Owlie

Advice from Owlie – World Water Week

Hi Owlie,

I just learned that this month we are celebrating World Water Week! Can you tell me more about it so I can tell all my friends and family! How can we get involved?

Sincerely,

Water-wise Warrior

Hi Water-wise Warrior,

So glad you're excited to learn about world water week! It’s going to be a total Hoot! World Water Week began in 1991, when Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) first introduced this week-long convention. According to SIWI, they are responsible for creating content and hosting an annual conference to discuss water-related topics, development and climate. They work together to raise awareness of the importance of water conservation. Kind of like my friend Wally and I do with all of you!

There are plenty of ways for you to participate as well! You can do simple things at home like educating yourself on water conservation and environmental stewardship! You can do this by playing waterwise games, reading educational books, watching documentaries or your local news, and especially by getting involved with your local water partners. This way you can learn various cool facts that you can share with your family and friends so they can be environmental stewards too!

Being mind-full of our water is key, friends. Try new habits like turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth, and reusing water when you can to do things like water our plants instead of letting that water go to waste!

These are both things you can do year-round to help conserve water! Here at the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park (CCW), we are always working towards responsible water use and conservation. We do this through the natural filtration of water in our ponds, planting California native and drought resistant plants, and of course using recycled water throughout the Park!

Thank you so much for being an environmental steward and participating in World Water Week, and don't forget to share everything you’ve learned with your friends and family!

Sincerely,

Owlie

P.S. Remember that purple pipes mean recycled water, do you see purple pipes in your neighborhood?