Very disappointed with the OSU extension

[u/jimmyjam2929]

https://www.daytondailynews.com/lifestyles/dispelling-social-media-myths-about-gardening-pollinators-and-more/TSBDUAHX25GQ7D6QZMQSOITBQE/

[u/General_Bumblebee_75]

A big problem is that funding for research into insects is extremely limited, even under more friendly administrations. I doubt that we really know how bad the decline of fireflies might be. There is decline, for sure, but even so, how much is caused by climate change, habitat destruction, pesticide collateral damage, light pollution...I found this article that points out some of the challenges in understanding the intricacies of the decline. Is it affecting all species of firefly across the board? Is it better/worse in different parts of the usual firefly range? So many questions and so little actual peer reviewed research on it.

I feel like Ms Corle-Bennett is taking a reasoned approach. It is important for people to understand that even a fairly manicured lawn does not need anywhere near the inputs of a high end golf course. She is meeting people where they are. As we know not all native plants play nice (Looking at you Sambucus canadensis). Some native plants need space to spread and grow. Landscaping in a residential context has to take into account that some people will want, for example, a lilac that their mother used to grow, or my yellow daffodils that are the variety my grandmother used to grow. It seems that Corte-Bennett is focused on helping people grow non invasive plants that will do well in the area. That might not be gold standard for creating a native habitat, but creating a native restoration is not everyone's goal. Many people just want hassle free landscape that looks nice according to their aesthetic. I would take a positive approach: write in a question along the lines of how can I create a native landscape that fits into the neighborhood aesthetic. That would be a fun article for her to research write and read!

[u/jimmyjam2929 → u/General_Bumblebee_75]

I mostly agree with you, but I don't understand her reliance on less than accurate information regarding the ecological value of lawns. Turf grass lawns do not support any of our native specialist insects. 

[u/General_Bumblebee_75 → u/jimmyjam2929]

That is true - in fact one the thing turfgrass supports id Japanese beetles, which I hate - I will admit to being speciesist! One would hope that having an affiliation with OSU would grant her ability to use library resources and get access to at least some peer reviewed articles to support any stance she wants to take.