Resolution 1214
Therefore, as United Methodists and persons of faith who wish to promote and sustain life and follow God’s intended order for Creation, be it resolved that all local churches and other holders of church lands, such as camp and retreat centers, as well as offices of general boards and agencies, conference offices and district locations, implement actions in their settings that bring their land back in harmony with God’s intentions and systems.
The following are examples of such steps:
- Evaluate the vegetation on your land and identify the species that are present. Determine which of those are native to your location, which are non-native, and which are non-native invasives. Plants and wildlife have evolved over time to complement and depend upon each other, so plants that are native to a location are required to promote biodiversity of species and support pollinators and other wildlife. Additionally, only certain pollinators will fertilize certain species, so location-specific (native) pollinators are needed to continue certain plant species.
- Plant at least three native trees in a cluster so that they will support each other through storms, much as we humans support each other through the storms of life. It has been determined that trees and other plants form below-ground connections that help promote the health of the group and strengthen each other against strong winds. Additionally, trees provide shade in hot weather, cool the air with their transpiration, slow down the rain hitting the ground during downpours, facilitate water absorption versus runoff and flooding, clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide, and release oxygen that wildlife and humans require to live.
- Remove non-native invasive species because they will often out-compete the native species, causing a decrease in biodiversity for the area and using more water than do native species.
- Replace at least 50% of the lawn, over time, with native plant species. Lawns promote water runoff rather than absorption, are often a place where chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used that runoff into and pollute nearby water sources, need to be mowed and trimmed using fossil fuel powered machinery, and do absolutely nothing to support pollinators, insects, birds, other wildlife, or healthy soil, water, and air.
- Discontinue the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other biocides to promote soil health and fertility.
- Include edible native species in these plantings to make the landscape supportive of humans as well as wildlife while they clean and cool the air and slow the rain. Food forests or forest gardens are one version of this, where they more closely mimic the ecosystems and patterns already found in Creation.
- Work with an agricultural extension agency to create a teaching garden or farm if the church has sufficient acreage. Restoring the land by using regenerative agricultural techniques provides education and a witness to congregation and community.
- Plant a rain garden in areas where water runoff from hard surfaces flows into storm drains or nearby creeks and rivers. A rain garden will serve to absorb some of the runoff, slow down the flow, and even clean the water before it hits the storm drain or closest stream.
- Convert to renewable energy sources some, or all, of the facility’s energy needs and let the sun, wind, and water provided by the Creator supply the power. Often the change will be financially beneficial, as well.
- Curtail the destruction of existing forests, wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands by identifying and supporting projects and organizations that will. These areas, which are vital for absorbing the carbon dioxide causing climate change, are also essential for halting the destruction and fragmentation of habitat that is needed to maintain the biodiversity of the species on earth.
- Restore wildfire-damaged and degraded forests, wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands by identifying and supporting projects and organizations that will. Restoration will increase carbon absorption and habitat needed for improved biodiversity.
- Avoid purchases that contribute to deforestation. Commit to purchasing lumber, food, building materials, and paper products that are sustainably sourced and produced, or reduce the use of paper products, for example, by forgoing the use of disposable plates and cups for church events.