In Illinois we used to go to old abandoned cemeteries to look for prairie plants. These "family cemeteries" were rather common and were seldom larger than a typical backyard. But they often had many rare prairie plants that managed to tweak out an existence there.
I have forgotten when or where, but I also recall an old cemetery where a particular snake was very common. This is probably a hit-or-miss proposition because cemeteries vary so much from one place to another in their size, isolation, regularity and extent of care, and visitation rates. Malcolm On Wed, May 2, 2012 at 1:39 PM, John Mickelson <jmicke...@yahoo.com> wrote: > Working in NYC and looking at the spatial dimensions of biodiversity in this > heavily urbanized setting. > > Wondering what folks thoughts are re: the extent to which cemeteries (and, to > a lesser extent: ball fields, play grounds, golf courses etc...) "really" > serve as habitat. > > Clearly they serve multiple purposes and are utilized by a range of flora and > fauna (presumably more so within "green" managed programs), but should they > really form a core element within > a comprehensive urban conservation plan? > > I'm finding myself able to argue both sides..... thoughts? > > -John -- Malcolm L. McCallum Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry School of Biological Sciences University of Missouri at Kansas City Managing Editor, Herpetological Conservation and Biology "Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive" - Allan Nation 1880's: "There's lots of good fish in the sea" W.S. Gilbert 1990's: Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. 2000: Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction MAY help restore populations. 2022: Soylent Green is People! The Seven Blunders of the World (Mohandas Gandhi) Wealth w/o work Pleasure w/o conscience Knowledge w/o character Commerce w/o morality Science w/o humanity Worship w/o sacrifice Politics w/o principle Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
