harmful to the environment. After all, this was their home first, and they’re making the most of the sudden change to their habitat. Squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, and skunks are considered nuisance animals, but they are beneficial to the environment and can be easily deterred with a few humane methods. Squirrels play a considerable role in forest development and are critical for the survival of nut trees. Raccoons and skunks con- tribute to population control as they are predators in the food chain and eat harmful garden pests. Rabbits naturally eat many invasive weed species and help keep them under control. Physical barriers will keep pests out of your garden, and you can even grow a separate area of plants and vegetables that they are free to forage in. You can find joy in watching the wildlife in your yard, especially
ing your heater or cleaning out your fireplace, and getting those last outings in before the cold hits. You will have harvested your summer garden, and the flowers are gone dormant. You can keep mums and daisies at this time of year, so you don’t miss out on color, and the same veg- etables you planted in spring will do well in the cooler weather and garlic, winter squash, and of course pumpkin. No matter how cold and cloudy, winter is an important season and plays its part like all the others. Symbolizing rest and reset, colder weather and shorter days force elements of nature to take a much-needed break. As much as we would love to have spring and summer year-round, that doesn’t encourage sustainabil- ity, just like constant work is not sustainable for
humans. Let winter remind you to slow down, recharge, and reflect internally on what you want the next year to bring. Focus on close family and friends, enjoy the holidays, and even appreci- ate the snow that winter brings once a year by bundling up and going sledding or letting the kids throw snowballs. As far as your garden, in most climates, all flowers and vegetables fall dormant in cold weather, and now is the time to prepare your soil for spring and plan next year’s planting schedule. You can begin seeding indoors in small plastic containers towards the end of winter, so you have a head start. LIVING RESPECTFULLY WITH ANIMALS Understanding the role of the living creatures around your home can help you live in harmony and refrain from using extermination techniques
111 MAY/JUNE 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
110 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MAY/JUNE 2022
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