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LWV-Wake Environment Committee

LWV-Wake and the Environment

The LWV of Wake County's Environment Committee is committed to engaging, educating, and advocating on a range of environmental issues that impact Wake County, North Carolina, and beyond.

Our committee members have diverse backgrounds and expertise, united by a common goal of protecting the environment and promoting informed decision-making.

We strive to raise awareness about environmental issues, engage with policymakers and community leaders, and empower citizens to take action to protect our planet.

What the Environment Committee Does

We stay informed about local, regional, and national environmental issues.

We organize meetings, educational events and field trips to educate and raise awareness about environmental challenges and solutions.

We push for policies that support environmental protection, sustainability, and climate resilience.

We empower citizens to take action through volunteering, advocacy, and community engagement.

August Tip: Garden Bugs
By Eve Vitaglione
LWV-Wake Environmental Co-Chair

Do you remember years ago, when your family car returned from a road trip with many insects smashed on the front of the radiator? Not so much anymore.

We have become adept at the development and widespread use of chemicals that kill every insect with which they com in contact.

The good thing is we killed off lots of problematic bugs. The bad thing is we also killed off lots of beneficial bugs.

In the end, there are no bad bugs, only a bad balance between numbers and kinds of bugs. They all have a place in the web of life. However, when we create a garden, or a farm field, we are setting up a situation that may invite a bug or two. Now we are ready to get rid of them!

We can spray a broad-spectrum insecticide like pyrethrin, or we can use a less toxic spray like an insecticidal soap or neem oil. (Check label for specificity for your bugs). We can use a strong hose spray to knock bugs off. We can walk through a smaller garden and pick bugs off.

But it might be interesting to promote and tolerate the presence of bugs that help out in the garden: some bugs are our friends! There are three main groups of beneficial garden bugs: pollinators, predators and parasitoids:

Pollinators: bees, bumblebees, butterflies and moths, and to a lesser extent some wasps, flies and beetles.

Predators: lady bugs, assassin bugs, praying mantis, green lacewing larvae, damsel bug, spiders and mites. (And don't forget birds feed chicks only with fresh meat, including insects and caterpillars!)

Parasitoids: many different types of wasps attack aphids and caterpillars like cabbage worms. Tachinid flies attack caterpillars and Japanese beetles.

The aim is to try to maintain various bugs in the garden, none too many, and see if we can reach a balance: maybe share a bit with a few bugs and see if they will limit some other bugs. So whip out your insect field guide and a magnifying glass and investigate!

Check out these websites:

Piedmont Master Gardeners

NCSU Insect Management

Timely Topics Sponsored by the Environment Committee

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Are you passionate about protecting the environment and making a difference in Wake County? Join us! Whether you're a seasoned environmental advocate or new to activism, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.

Become a Member: Join LWV-Wake and indicate your interest in the Environment Committee.

Attend Events: Stay updated on upcoming events, meetings, and activities hosted by the Environment Committee.

Volunteer: Help us organize events, conduct research, and advocate for environmental policies.

Spread the Word: Share our webpage and social media channels with your networks to help raise awareness about environmental issues and our work.

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LWV-Wake Environment Committee

Timely Topics Sponsored by the Environment Committee