Our environment is a thriving web of genetic and biological families. It is up to us as agricultural stewards to make sure the diversity of our plant and animal species, the very foundation of our existence, is preserved for our daily lives, our communities, and our future generations.

Without biodiversity we have a monoculture. In any culture, this is not only boring but unhealthy. Life is a complex process of systems, processes and cycles that have to work together in harmony for us to survive and flourish. Organic farming encourages a holistic approach to life in general, building symbiotic relationships. The philosophy behind organic stresses how important this is to the success of healthy, sustainable agriculture.

Anyone who has ever read college literature will understand the term “diverse.” Colleges tout the diversity of their campus', stressing how important this is because it teaches the students get along well together. Encouraging diversity encourages understanding and tolerance. This is a strategy to benefit human relationships – to help people understand each other and function together. The same principle works in nature. Biodiversity is the coming together of the different processes and systems in nature – the symbiotic relationships between soil microbes, bacteria, earthworms, grubs, insects, birds, mice and so forth.

In gardening, planting different species of plants together avoids a monoculture situation. It provides microhabitats and food for various insects and other animals. Variety is the best way to avoid a monoculture. Beneficial insects, for instance, need protection from the harsh environment that a diversified landscape provides. Landscaping, agricultural use and land in its natural state all provide different habitats and diversity on the land.

When ecosystems are out of balance, there is trouble - coyotes coming out of their wilder habitats and attacking neighborhood cats because their own home has been lost to housing; deer forced to go far beyond their natural habitat in search of food – a lush garden is a perfect banquet. The homeowner is faced with a trashed flower bed and may not stop to ask why the deer are there in the first place.

Folks talk about the “web of life.” This is an epic term and its totality is hard to grasp, but the reality is that we are part of nature and anything we do to harm the earth ultimately harms us. We must protect all living things because we and they are related in ways we may never fully understand.

Diversity in life is what makes it rich and interesting – and it’s what makes life work.