EARTH STEWARDSHIP PRACTICES AT RAVEN’S NEST

REMOVAL OF INVASIVE/NON-NATIVE SPECIES

At RAVENS-WAY WILD JOURNEYS We are committed to eradicate Invasive/Non-Native Species that threaten the Biodiversity of our two Nature Sanctuaries and of our Sky Islands as a whole.  Because these species are no longer within the biological constraints of their original Habitats, they tend to thrive at the expense of Native Plants and Wildlife.  Since our arrival at RAVEN’S NEST  we have implemented an aggressive removal strategy of the Non-Native Grasses that threaten the Sky Islands, such as Lehman’s Lovegrass, Bermuda Grass, and Natal grass - all originally from Africa.

In accordance with our Environmental Philosophy, we Reuse those dried Grasses as cover for our Stone-age Shelters and Shade Ramadas, as well as for mulch around our Native Plantings.  Additionally, throughout our Nature Preserves we are aggressively removing Tumble weed which came from the steppes of Asia and London Rocket originally from Eurasia.  Left unchecked, these non-native plants quickly take over the landscape, crowding out Native Plants and Wildlife.

Within a short span Native Plant Species have returned to areas where we have Removed Non-Native Plants.  This has in turn fostered a greater diversity of Wildlife.  We have accomplished all of this in the most Organic, and Earth-friendly way, using only our hands and the occasional hand tool.  At no point have we used nor are we planning to use any chemicals, pesticides, or motor-driven tools to accomplish what is best done naturally.  The process of rehabilitating the land is just as important as the end result to us!