Citizen Action Works! NWF Caves!!

In a Stunning Reversal the National Wildlife Federation ENDED their misguided action to "partner with Scott's/Miraclegrow/Monsanto!!! 

This was after a long few days since the original partnership was announced in which hundreds of members and supporters joined forces, creating a petition and additional Facebook Pages, with Boycotts and Refund demands underway. The petition had garnered nearly 500 signatures thus far.

On the NWF Facebook Page today is the following statement:

After learning of Scotts’ pending legal settlement, we've agreed to end the partnership. 

National Wildlife Federation and ScottsMiracle-Gro Partnership

Joint Statement from ScottsMiracle-Gro and National Wildlife Federation

January 29, 2012

The National Wildlife Federation has worked together with ScottsMiracle-Gro over the past two years on programs to educate gardeners about global warming, connect children to the outdoors and help restore habitat following the Gulf oil disaster. Both parties recently announced plans for an even broader partnership that was based on our common interests.

Since that time, Scotts announced a pending legal settlement related to events in 2008 that predate our partnership, which has made it clear that the partnership is not viable. Therefore, NWF and Scotts will work together to end the partnership in a friendly and mutually beneficial way.

BUT..... NWF is still not entirely getting it. They are still trying to split hairs even as they first claim they're ending the partnership.  In the latest chapter:

National Wildlife Federation For further clarification: this decision is about the recently announced settlement about the legal case – not about the philosophy about whether or not we should be working with companies like Scotts.

Stay tuned.........

National Wildlife Federation Deal with Scott's/Monsanto Leaves Supporters Angry and Grief Stricken

"This makes me ill" said local garden expert Jennifer Rotermund.

Hundreds of shocked supporters of NWF lit up their Facebook Page in the last three days to complain, quit, and ask for refunds.  Many local supporters posted their objections.  NWF's self inflicted PR nightmare is going viral.


CEO of National Wildlife, Larry Schweiger held a webchat and stated they made the deal, a "partnership" and were trying to "help" Scotts' become more eco-friendly. 

National Wildlife Federation and The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company are working together to help families reconnect with nature by using yards, parks and other green spaces as a starting point for outdoor play and nature discovery.

But most supporters were having none of it. Some pointed out that NWF had trouble with fundraising and needed the money. Apparently, there was a payment of $50k to NWF from Scott's. 


A supporter named Ken complained,

I have been a member of the NWF since 1977. This whole story about NWF and Scotts makes me sick. This isn't the organization I joined 35 years ago. I can no longer in good conscience remain a part of an entity that has obviously corrupted it's original vision. I have a feeling I won't be the only one leaving.

The reasons for the ire became clearer, when articles surfaced yesterday. Scott's, a lawn chemical supply company had apparently been fined $4.5 million and plead guilty of lying in court records and selling 73 million units of "tainted bird seed".

Then a page on the NWF website proclaimed the "Save the Songbirds Selections" brand of birdseed was announced.  This further enraged the NWF "ex" supporters. They could not believe the cynical and obviously well timed move on the part of a supposed "environmental advocacy" organization and the chemical giant. 


Shoreline is among a number local communities that had enthusiastically and sincerely recruited over 300 new members to "certify" their yards as "Backyard Habitats", by replanting and creating special habitat areas to qualify. Several schools and businesses also participated. People here were proud of the accomplishment.




One angry former supporter has organized a nationwide petition to object. 
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-nwf-from-partnering-with-scottsmonsanto/ Over 400 signatures were gathered in just over 2 days.   Anyone who is upset at this "partnership" is encouraged to sign. 
Signers said:

"I cannot imagine what NWF was thinking. They have received their last donation from me and I plan to tell everyone I know about this situation" while another says "NWF should be ashamed to even consider such a partnership. Supporting Scotts and Monsanto when you claim to be for the long term protection of our wildlife and wild-lands. Ridiculous."

From the point of view of our blog, this is one of the most cynical cases of "astro-turfing" we've ever seen.  It's also known as "greenwashing" and shows a contempt for the intelligence and trust so many sincere wildlife lovers had placed in this internationally known organization. 
It's obvious they've been bought out and their reputation will probably never recover.


An article from the blog "SafeLawns" has the story on the guilty plea by Scott's.

The company, many folks believe, must have known this ruling in federal court was coming down for several months. The timing of the sponsorship with the National Wildlife Federation, announced by NWF on Jan. 18, was clearly designed to draw attention away from what is believed to be the largest fine ever levied on a pesticide company.

Amidst Wildlife Federation Firestorm, Scotts Miracle Gro Fined $4.5 Million for Toxic Bird Seed, Falsifying Records

Fri, Jan 27, 2012

Pesticide Toxicity

UPDATE: Petition Asks NWF to Say No to Scotts’ Sponsorship: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-nwf-from-partnering-with-scottsmonsanto/

HOW’S THIS FOR SUSPICIOUS TIMING?

On the same week Scotts Miracle Gro tried to buy an image upgrade by sponsoring the National Wildlife Federation, word has come out of a federal court that the company will pay millions of dollars in fines for selling bird seed it knew was tainted with pesticides toxic to birds.

Though the company had no comment yesterday, it pleaded guilty to charges that it sold 73 MILLION UNITS of tainted bird seed from 2005 to 2008. According to an article in today’s Columbus, Ohio, newspaper, the company continued to sell the bird seed “despite warnings in the summer and fall of 2007 from a pesticide chemist and an ornithologist, both of whom worked for the company.”

The company also pleaded guilty yesterday to falsifying documents with the Environmental Protection Agency so that it could rush new weed ‘n feed and ant killing products to market back in 2006. When Scotts’ fallacy was revealed — after the products containing cancer-causing agents had already been on the market for two years — the company blamed the actions on a single female employee, who was abruptly fired after years with the com

Local Pollinator Plants - Featured in NWF Newsletter

Local Volunteer Naturalist Chris Southwick's Photo is featured in the National Wildlife Federation newsletter on Native Plant Pollinators. 

“My favorite native plant is the snowberry. In late spring and early summer, both Anna’s and rufous hummingbirds entertain while drinking nectar from its dainty pinkish flowers and vying for dominance. The round leaves are visually pleasing, and other birds often dart out from under its shelter. In the winter, the small white orbs for which the plant is named gleam in the sun, accent cloudy days and even look pretty in the rain. Since snowberry is a Northwest native, it requires almost nothing from me—nature takes care of its needs.”—Christine Southwick of Shoreline, Washington

Chris is a frequent contributor to Shoreline Area News with excellent articles on birdwatching. She is a board member of the Puget Sound Bird Observatory and has done extensive work on bird banding studies for the Shoreline Community Backyard Wildlife Project.

Chris banding a chickadee

Pollinators include many species such as Honey Bees, Butterflies and Moths, Hummingbirds and even bats.

Snowberry is a NW Native and can grow into large patches. It like sun, and wetlands. It is also known as a beautiful winter plant because of it's distinctive white berries that are attractive to birds in winter.

Snowberries
ph credit - Greg Rayborn
KC Native Plant Guide
http://green.kingcounty.gov/gonative/Plant.aspx?Act=view&PlantID=36

The newsletter is featuring Plant Pollinators for this week. It is National Pollinator Week.

Plants for Pollinators: A Collection of Favorites

Wildlife gardeners across the country share photos and descriptions of prized native plants that attract pollinators to their yards (Updated 6/3/2011)

06-07-2010 // Edited by Kelly Senser

http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/Gardening/Archives/2010/Native-Plants-for-Pollinators.aspx

The fifth annual National Pollinator Week takes place June 20-26, 2011. To celebrate, we asked gardeners across the country who’ve created wildlife-friendly habitats to talk about some of their favorite native plants for attracting bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinating species. Following are the descriptions and images they shared.

A Good Day for Wildlife Habitat in Shoreline, WA

Monday, April 18, the City of Shoreline recognized the efforts of the Shoreline Community Backyard Wildlife Habitat Project. The team was awarded a certificate for achieving the goal of Certification. 

Certificate Presented to Shoreline's
Community Backyard Wildlife Project

The project was adopted by Sustainable Shoreline Education Association in 2006. Boni Biery, who is team leader of the project got to work and organized the effort.

The National Wildlife Federation is working in many communities in western Washington to get "certified". This means they have gotten a required number of households, businesses, schools and parks

in shape to be certified. Each one is required to have the 5 elements of habitat on site to attract and sustain wildlife. These five elements are:

• Food Sources - For example: Native plants, seeds, fruits, nuts, berries, nectar
• Water Sources - For example: Birdbath, pond, water garden, stream
• Places for Cover - For example: Thicket, rockpile, birdhouse
• Places to Raise Young - For example: Dense shrubs, vegetation, nesting box, pond
• Sustainable Gardening - For example: Mulch, compost, rain garden, chemical-free fertilizer

Here is the NWF Description of the Community Certification Process -

Community Habitats

If you love gardening and connecting with people in your community, the National Wildlife Federation can help you certify your community as a Community Wildlife Habitat™.

A Community Wildlife Habitat is a community that provides habitat for wildlife throughout the community--in individual backyards, on school grounds and in public areas such as parks, community gardens, places of worship and businesses.

It is a place where the residents make it a priority to provide habitat for wildlife by providing the four basic elements that all wildlife need: food, water, cover andplaces to raise young.

The community also educates its residents about sustainable gardening practicessuch as reducing or eliminating chemical fertilizers and pesticides, conserving water, planting native plants, removing invasive plants and composting.

Community Wildlife Habitats are organized by a team of people, who not only help create habitat, but also hold workshops about gardening for wildlife and organize community events such as stream or trail cleanups.

A Community Habitat project creates a place where people, flora and fauna can all flourish!

The Shoreline Community Backyard Wildlife Project has achieved its goal and is one of the largest communities in the state to do so (11th in the state, 48th in nation and largest city in King County to certify). It means that they achieved the following goal elements:


• Completed Habitats  map

221 homes

19 public space /businesses

8 schools

2 churches

• 2 public restoration projects


As another element of the Backyard Wildlife Project they completed the following projects:
WOWTA Garden Tour
Citizens Bird Banding Project

Wildlife Resources
Bird houses
Champion Tree Contest
Pesticide Free households and yards
Ronald Bog Restoration Slide Show
Brugger's Bog Restoration Slide Show


Congratulations Boni Biery and the Shoreline Team on this outstanding accomplishment!

Courtney Sullivan of NWF Awards Certificate to Boni Biery for
the Accomplishment

2nd Annual WOWTA TOUR - Mark your Calendar

Last years tour was a huge hit! Mark your calendar for this year's event Saturday, July 9th.

Shoreline’s Second Annual “Where Our WIldlife Is” Backyard Habitat Tour (WOWTA)

by Jennifer Rotermund, Habitat Steward and WOWTA PR Manager

As Spring quickly approaches and we watch the trees budding, my mind can’t help but begin to dream of the long, warm days of summer and all the little weekend getaways I like to schedule for myself. Since those beautiful days will be here quicker than we can all imagine, I encourage everyone to take a moment right now to add Saturday, July 9, to your 2011 summer schedule. That’s the date of Shoreline’s Second Annual “Where Our Wild Things Are” Backyard Habit Tour - or “WOWTA.”

Flicker peaking out of nest hole
photo cr - Michael Oxman

WOWTA is a truly cooperative venture.  It is sponsored by Sustainable Shoreline through its WIldlife Habitat Project, partially funded by an environmental mini-grant from The City of Shoreline, and run entirely by a very fun and dedicated volunteer team of local NWF Wildlife Habitat Stewards. In fact, it was the WOWTA Tour that helped Shoreline secure the final number of necessary certifications of Backyard Wildlife Habitats to become a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat - one of only 48 like it in the country. This tremendous accomplishment is being celebrated at the Krukeberg Garden on Sunday, June 19th.

Last year’s WOWTA Tour was “wildly” successful and this year’s tour is shaping up to be even more fun and exciting. All of the Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitats selected to be in the tour are located in different Shoreline neighborhoods each year in order to celebrate each neighborhood’s accomplishments in the area of habitat creation and to make it easy for Shoreline residents to attend. In the mean time, look for the WOWTA Team to show up at various events around Shoreline, getting the word out about the tour, and come talk to us. Did you attend last year’s tour? Would you like to submit your Certified Backyard Habitat for participation in this year’s or a future year’s tour? Want to know how to certify your own yard as a Wildlife Habitat? We’d love to hear from you and welcome your ideas or questions.

If you’d like to know more about what’s being done to protect the wildlife in Shoreline, the WOWTA Backyard Habitat Tour will show you just how that’s being accomplished - one backyard at a time! So, stay tuned for  more information and make sure to join us for Shoreline’s WOWTA Backyard Habitat Tour on Saturday July 9, 2011. 

Old Snag - Nuthatch Haven

Snags are valuable wildlife habitat.  
Dead trees bring life to the forest.


A Red-Breasted Nuthatch is spotted in a dead tree "snag".
Bird Web from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has some
nuthatch facts - 

Cool Facts

• The Red-breasted Nuthatch collects resin globules from coniferous trees and plasters them around the entrance of its nest hole. It may carry the resin in its bill or on pieces of bark that it uses as an applicator. The male puts the resin primarily around the outside of the hole while the female puts it around the inside. The resin may help to keep out predators or competitors. The nuthatch avoids the resin by diving directly through the hole.
• During nest building, the Red-breasted Nuthatch is aggressive, chasing away other hole-nesting birds such as the House Wren, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Downy Woodpecker. A particularly feisty nuthatch may go after Yellow-rumped Warblers, House Finches, Violet-Green Swallows, and Cordilleran Flycatchers.
• Red-breasted Nuthatches migrate southward earlier than many irruptive species. They may begin in early July and may reach their southernmost point by September or October.

This report and photos from Shoreline resident, Claudia Turner -
 (Look  closely and you'll see a little "red-breasted nuthatch peaking out of a hole in a "snag") 

Photo credit - Claudia Turner

"The snag & nuthatch pic was taken in March '10. They raised their babies & hung out as a family until Sept or so" said Turner.  

Photo credit - Claudia Turner

The National Wildlife Federation recommends leaving "snags" in your yard to garden for wildlife.

Dead trees used to be considered "unsightly", but what could be more fascinating than seeing wildlife using these old trees to provide life giving food and shelter.  

Their slogan for this issue is "Dead Wood Good"! 

The NWF site has the story -

Attracting Wildlife With Dead Trees

Dead trees provide vital habitat for more than 1,000 species of wildlife nationwide. They also count as cover and places for wildlife to raise young in the requirements for Certified Wildlife Habitat designation.

Snags—The name for dead trees that are left upright to decompose naturally.

Logs—When a snag (or part of a snag) falls on the ground, it becomes a log—also very useful for wildlife habitat.

By some estimates, the removal of dead material from forests can mean a loss of habitat for up to one-fifth of the animals in the ecosystem.

Dead Wood Good? How Dead Trees Help Wildlife

Wildlife species use nearly every part of a dead tree in every stage of its decay for things such as: 

• A Place to Live—Many animals, including birds, bats, squirrels and raccoons make nests in hollow cavities and crevices in standing deadwood.
• A Food Source—By attracting insects, mosses, lichens and fungi, deadwood becomes a gourmet restaurant for wildlife looking for a snack.
• A "Crow's Nest"—Higher branches of snags serve as excellent look-outs from which wildlife such as raptors spot potential prey.
• A Hiding Place—The nooks and crannies of deadwood are put to good use by squirrels and other wildlife looking to store food.
• A Soil Refresher—Mosses, lichens and fungi all grow on snags and aid in the return of vital nutrients to the soil through the nitrogen cycle. Decaying logs on the forest floor also act as "nurse logs" for new seedlings.

Incorporating Dead Trees into Your Habitat

You can create a refuge for hundreds of woodland creatures by keeping snags in your yard (or constructing artificial snags if no natural ones are present).

Despite the importance of snags to wildlife, many modern forestry practices encourage the removal of deadwood from the forest floor in an attempt to control pests and fungi, as well as for aesthetic reasons.

• When should I remove a snag? Never allow dead wood to rest against your home. Also any trees that may fall on your home (or a neighbor's home) should be removed. In both these cases, however, consider moving the wood to another safer area of your yard.
• What about termites? As long as the snags are a reasonable distance from your home, termites and other pests won't find their way into your home.
• How do I create artificial snags? If there are no natural snags in your yard, you can create artificial ones by trimming branches on live trees of varying sizes and types. Hardwood trees tend to make better nesting habitats while softer wood is better for food foraging. If you do not wish to create snags from living trees, the use of nesting boxescan be a good alternative.
• How many snags should I have? Three snags per acre is a good estimate for most areas, but you should check with your local wildlife management authority to get specific recommendations for your region.

In an interesting coincidence, a workshop program is coming up next week at the NW Stream Center
in south Everett.

http://www.streamkeeper.org/aasf/Welcome.html
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5 Members / $7 Non-members. Advance Purchase Necessary.
Minimum Class Size: 20Age Recommendation: Adult...this class is geared for serious gardeners,  property owners who manage trees, arborists, foresters, and parks/public works staff 

Wildlife Trees: The Importance of Snags in Your Neighborhood

It may be hard to believe, but trees can actually create more habitats for various species after they die than when they are alive! Dead trees are important for wildlife in both natural and landscaped settings. Such trees are given many names, including "snags" and "wildlife trees." Snags enhance local natural areas by providing for the needs of many wildlife species that may not be commonly found there otherwise. Snags can "live on" as excellent wildlife trees for all to enjoy!

Join instructor Chris Anderson, a wildlife biologist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, for a lively presentation.  Come learn about the role snags play as "wildlife trees" and their importance to sustaining local biodiversity of various wildlife species.
The class will cover some examples of local wildlife species that depend on snags and dying trees for their life needs, as well as how snags are an integral habitat feature that allows for a whole web of wildlife species to persist in areas where they would largely not be found in the absence of available snag habitat. Management considerations that assist in the retention of snags and similar dying trees on your property will be discussed. Find out what steps to take to find the best help to assess and manage perceived hazard tree situations, while considering wildlife value.