Planting perennial grasses preserves Haiti's biodiversity.
One of over 20 Florida birds that overwinter in Hispaniola.
Critical Habitats for Birds & Animals: Creating Healthy Ecosystems
Haiti enjoys one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the West Indies. Yet Haiti’s soil erosion, coupled with its rapidly increasing human population, robs birds and animals of their natural habitats. Numerous bird and animal species in Haiti are either on endangered or near-threatened lists, a situation that indicates the urgency and importance of creating and protecting habitats for Haiti’s native species.
In addition, migratory birds in Haiti are typically more affected by soil erosion. Weary from their long migratory flights, many birds migrating from Florida need places to rest and feed. During this time, the birds are also in their nesting season, a critical window, but the lack of shade in the barren landscape of Haiti’s tropical climate exposes these birds’ vulnerable nests to predators. Over 20 Floridian bird species overwinter in Hispaniola, the island comprised of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Our project employs perennial grasses to provide a base protection that prevents Haitian soil erosion. We further intend to plant a wide variety of native shrubs, bushes, and flowers alongside the grass, additional vegetation that will provide food, shelter, and nesting habitats for both Haiti’s wildlife and birds. Because these wildlife and birds require different nesting sites, habitats, and food sources, we focus on providing a diverse range of native species to support the greatest diversity of pollinators, birds, and mammals.
One example of the direct benefit of grasses to animals is that grass prevents soil from clogging the fresh-water bodies in which Haiti’s West Indian manatees and dugongs thrive.
Hence, our project works closely with the Apalachee Audubon Society for consultation on addressing aviary needs in our Haitian land reclamation efforts.
We furnish habitats for birds and animals, making this initiative vital to wildlife.
Grasses have an extensive root system that strengthens soil health.
Soil Fauna
A wealthy ecology, often invisible to the eye, exists below the ground in healthy soil.
This healthy soil life is fueled by plant roots, typically that of grass whose roots provide organic matter, which in turn stimulates microbial activity. Without vegetation such as grasses, soils lose organic matter, critical for soil health. Healthy soils also support important subterranean organisms such as earthworms. As much plant biomass can exist below the ground as above the ground in robust soils.
Haitians will save bees by planting flowers along with grass.
Bees & Flowers
Bee species and populations are rapidly declining worldwide. Eroded areas are hastening insect extinction.
In the next phase of our project, Haitians will plant flowers while planting grasses to provide pollen and nectar for bees.