www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/seasonal_drought.html
Richmond has just been placed again on mandatory water rationing, and counties that utilize the Richmond Water Authority are expected to comply. Chesterfield Board of Supervisors will vote on the issue of Voluntary to Mandatory rationing at their August 27, 08 meeting.
Thus dragging hoses to established shrubbery and providing water sources for the birds, squirrels, woodchuck and things that go bump in the night (owls, possums, raccoons) will be more difficult. Each year we say we should just let things die, as we have the multiple times we’ve financed the impossible grass crop -- gave up on that. We like the moss around the trees better anyway. But we find we love the color and protection of the rhodies and azaleas for the birds. The dogwoods and the hydrangeas, the grapes and the clematis provide food and shelter for birds, bees, and squirrels.
Since our property is designated a National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat we must provide food sources, such as acorns, pinecones, the dogwood berries, the nadina berries, the apples, pears, and crabapples, and tons of nyger, and sunflower seed and water sources -- bird baths, (ground and standing) and a fountain. My son’s family gave us a new water ball that the bees, squirrel, and occasion bird love to use.
So we’ll switch to gallon jugs with drip holes-and rethink the rain barrel formula since our roof rain is routed to our flower borders around the house already. One thing has helped us, the new subdivision built in front of our home has neighbors watering their beautiful lawns and shrubs on a set system. Hopefully the county water will help to fill our well-we’re downhill.
Eastern Grey Squirrel: loves sunflower seed, dogwood berries, and buries acorns (thus planting trees) for later eating
Woodchuck or Groundhog: lives in stickpile on right and loves clover-alternate home is under leanto beside garage
Gray Catbird: nests in azaleas
House Wren: all year guards the flower borders and eats insects
Palliated Woodpecker: create habitat by leaving deadwood -- loves ants
Cedar Wax Wings: comes through in March and eats the pyracantha, nadina, and holly berries
Wood Thrush: yellow finch and junkos
Hummingbirds: will come to look in the window if the feeder is low -- hey, fill this thing up!
Bumble Bees: For the first time we’ve had bumble bees at the hummingbird feeders -- solution, fill only the bottom of feeder
Check these out:
PDF: Water Conservation and Local Water Supply Plans - Gov Forum June 08
PDF: Richmond Times Dispatch Plan for Water Supply Needs
PDF: DEQ - Virginia Drought Assessment and Response Plan