12/16/2020 0 Comments All that mess - but is it reallyWe sometimes get asked, why we don't just cut back all that brush at the back of the library and open it up. Well, there are a few reasons, one if we got rid of all that brush we'd be left with a bare hill that would eventually wash into the waterway every time it rained, which of course would be dangerous. Two, while we do occasionally cut it back and down all that brush is quite useful as a habitat for small animals that live of the edges of fields and forests, animals like the bunny and three it offers protection for small birds such as sparrows, cardinals, chickadees and so many of our feeder visitors I know it looks a bit messy but have you ever take a really good look at that brush. It's filled with flowers in the summer drawing bees and butterflies, during the fall its filled with berries for birds and squirrels and even in winter though it doesn't look like much you have to look a little closer. Even when the animals have scattered you can still see the trails they've left behind. Can you see animal trail in the picture above? Here's a hint if you look at the space between the two peanuts - can you see it now? The ground looks softer, the branches almost from a tunnel, the trail curves off to the left? Can you see it? This is what we'd call a small animal game trail. Animals tend to travel certain paths through the woods over and over, almost the same way we use roads. Large animals do the same. Those are paths that they know are relatively safe and lead to areas with food, water, shelter or just from one area to another. They're part of the animals' habitat. So while you may just see a wall of brush, for the animals these little hidden "roadways" are an important part of their community. Here's another - can you see the animal trail? If you can't and your really interested to see, stop by the library in person and Miss Renee will take you out and show you.
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This project was made possible in part by a grant from the RI Office of Library and Information Services using funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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