As a shortened version of ‘biological diversity’, biodiversity according to World Wildlife Fund (WWF) refers to the variety of life on earth. It comprises of all the species in the natural world from those regarded as common, endangered to those critically threatened (WWF). Like the biodiversity of the Amazon in the Tropics, the local biodiversity of the County of Rock Island contributes enormously to both the economy and well-being of the county especially in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and forestry. It also assists in less apparent ways in areas such erosion control, climate change mitigation, recreation, and flood abatement. While often taken for granted, the conservation and maintenance of a healthy natural biodiversity in Rock Island is not only crucial to the protection of the County’s local scenery but is also significantly important in ensuring the continuation of the benefits it provides for the county’s quality of life.
Given that, the center of the county is located at one of the U.S’s greatest modern complexes (the Quad Cities); the county’s natural resource base is ever under increasing pressure from population growth and urban development. (U.S Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation Service [NRCS]). However, the county has managed to hold onto some of its natural zones such as the Rock Island State Park and the ‘Upper Miss’ wildlife refuge (Rock Island County). Like in other places, while some species in Rock County have enough populations, and some are under protection such as the Bald Eagle, a great number of them are in decline and under threat. Some of these species include the Indian (Myotis sodalist) and Northern long-eared (Myotis septentrionalis) bats and a significant number of insect species such as the Monarch butterfly and the Honey Bee (U.S Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS]). Naturally, these species are known to hibernates in caves and sheltered mines, swarm around wooded areas, and roost in forages in upland woods and forests. Loss of these habitats through such acts as degradation, pollution, encroachment, and over-exploitation is driving these important species to the brink of extinction.
Whereas most people take bats and insects for granted, these species plays significant ecological roles in our natural environment. One such role is facilitating plant pollination as native pollinators. Plant pollination is necessary for the reproduction of plants, which ultimately leads to the provision of fibers, medicines, fuels, and food for human and animal consumption (Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation District [SWCD]). Therefore, loss of the natural habitats where these species reside and depend on for survival not only leads to their death but also leads to the loss of the above valuable resources. In Rock County, clearing of natural vegetation, degradation of the same through pollution and replacement of the native plants are critical to the survival of these species. The 2 million dollar grant can help the county restore and conserve the natural beauty and significance of these zones.
In a wider perspective, the grant will be used to address ways in which the county’s wildlife resources such as native plants (forests and woodlands in the park) and the general ecosystem will be managed and protected in the coming years. More specifically, the grant will be geared towards the creation of a conducive environment for natural pollinators to thrive. To achieve this objective, the money will be used first to roll out a county-wide state sensitization programs to educate the residents of the significance of pollinators and the need to protect their habitats. Under this objective, schools, landowners, and farmers. Secondly, the grant will be used to promote and support farming best practices in the agricultural sector and wildlife conservation measures at both the local and county level. Lastly, the money will be used to raise the county’s profile in conservation through measures such as organizing annual Ecology Camps for kids (SWCD). Through camping, campers will explore the county’s natural ecosystems, appreciate the need to conserve the environment through hands-on experience, learn the significance of pollinators, and ultimately discover the fundamental human – nature connection (SWCD). Lastly, part of the money will be chipped into the on-going County Pollinator Habitat Conservation Reserve Program. This initiative is in harmony with the overall grant objectives as it seeks to restore and establish habitat support for a diversity of pollinator species in the county.
Works Cited
Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). "Pollinators in peril - What can you do?" N.p., 2015. Web. 20 Feb. 2016. <http://www.rockislandswcd.org/wp-content/uploads/newsletters/2015EarlySummerNewsletter.pdf>.
Rock Island County. "Rock Island County, Illinois - About Rock Island County." Rock Island County Home Page. N.p., 2011. Web. 20 Feb. 2016. <http://www.rockislandcounty.org/AboutRockIslandCounty/>.
U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). "Illinois Threatened and Endangered Species." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2016. <http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/lists/illinois-cty.html>.
United States Department of Agriculture, and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Soil Survey of Rock Island County, Illinois. Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, Web. 20 Feb. 2016. <http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/illinois/IL161/0/RockIsland_IL.pdf>.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF). "What is Biodiversity | WWF." WWF Conserves Our Planet, Habitats, & Species Like the Panda & Tiger | WWF. N.p., 2016. Web. 20 Feb. 2016. <http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/biodiversity/what_is_biodiversity/>.
