Powerline corridors, as well as gas and oil pipeline right of ways, are often an unexpected habitat oasis. They cover millions of acres of land in America. They may also provide a tremendous benefit to plants and wildlife that favor scrub or early successional habitat, a type that we do not favor in our development otherwise. Certain bees and butterflies to flowers and birds can all end up winning if these strips are managed properly – limiting mowing, chemicals, invasive plants and so forth. As humans have worked to protect forests we have neglected to do the same for this habitat type, at least intentionally, but if we can maintain these areas and connect as many as possible we will be safeguarding hundreds or thousands of other species. I took this photo while listening to a calling Eastern Towhee and remembering the Brown Thrasher pair that bred here in recent years. I hope biologists and utility officials will continue to cooperate and plug away at invigorating the natural world while simultaneously powering ours.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
