Today we’d like to introduce you to Patty Shipley.
Hi Patty, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! I’m Patty Shipley, and after 24 years of practicing as a naturopath (a type of natural/functional medicine provider), I decided to start a native plant nursery on my 10 acre property in Sunbury. It’s been a big shift, and I’d like to share what called me to do this.
Over the past decade of practicing functional medicine, I’ve noticed patients are sicker and more complex than in the earlier years of my practice. Over time, I’ve come to realize that a lot of what I’m treating is environmental illness. A fundamental concept of functional medicine is that you treat the underlying cause of illness. In this case, the underlying cause many of my patients have in common is the environment we all live in, and Ohio is particularly challenged environmentally. In 2020 and 2021, more than 2000# of industrial chemicals per square mile were released into our air, water and soil in Ohio, putting us at #6 in the nation both years. I know from attending functional medicine conferences, that we’ve been in the top handful of states here in Ohio for many years. I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard, “Ever since I moved to Ohio…” followed by the symptoms that began after moving to Ohio.
I’ve long wanted to do something to help improve the environment, but felt overwhelmed as to what I could do that would really matter. Then in the fall of 2019, I read Bringing Nature Home, a book written by an entomologist who has published several books and papers on the subject of conservation through ecosystem restoration. His message is beautifully simple: the insects and wildlife native to our region have co-evolved with and rely on plants that are native to our region as their food source. Most of our wildlife cannot eat plants introduced from other countries. After gardening in central Ohio for over 40 years, I suddenly had a deeper understanding of why we’re seeing such a decline in our bird and butterfly populations (the things I garden to attract) and what could be done about it. Privately owned property makes up 96% of Ohio, so it’s really up to each one of us to do our part where we live.
Before I even finished the book, I decided to start a native plant nursery on the 10 acres where I’ve lived since 2015. The nursery opened in September 2020, so last month was our two-year anniversary!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While COVID opened a window initially when I started the nursery, since we were in the middle of a pandemic, I needed to split my focus between educating and supporting my patients as I also juggled all the necessary work involved in a new startup. Lots of long days and late nights….though starting the nursery was truly the best way to spend a pandemic!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Leaves for Wildlife specializes in straight-species plants that are native to central Ohio, and our focus is on education around attracting more wildlife through habitat and ecosystem restoration. One of the ways we put wildlife front and center is to send caterpillars and moth eggs home on some of our plants. We do this for two reasons, 1) to help strengthen local populations of specific insect species, and 2) so that others can observe the stages of development of species such as cecropia, polyphemus, and luna moths. We held our first annual Black Light Moth Night this summer, creating a family-friendly adventure with the help of local entomologists and ultraviolet light. The woods were alive with the excited chatter of kids seeing cool insects fluorescing under black light for the first time.
Later this month, we’ll be hosting several wild animal ambassadors from Ohio Nature Education (event details on our website). They’ll also provide education around providing habitat to support the animals they’ll be bringing.
We also keep a steady stream of educational posts going on our blog and Facebook and Instagram pages. Many people want to help nature, but aren’t sure how they can help. That’s where we come in!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Seek is an amazing app that helps me ID plants growing on my property or other areas where I forage for seeds. Unlike other apps, Seek lets you use your live camera to ID rather than a still shot that might miss important identifying features. Simply keep moving the camera around the plant you’re seeking to ID until it gathers enough information.
I often refer folks to Douglas Tallamy’s books, videos, and website (www.homegrownnationalpark.org). I particularly recommend Nature’s Best Hope the updated version of Bringing Nature Home. Tallamy also has many free videos on YouTube for those who are auditory learners.
The Columbus chapter of Wild Ones puts together some great free online educational series on native plants. Several of their volunteers have also been huge supporters of the nursery through donated seeds and plants and getting the word out.
I was recently interviewed on the Lively Joy podcast about how to live your best life through investing in and connecting to nature. It felt like preparing for and doing this podcast brought things full circle, back to where I started with helping to improve the lives of people, now with a focus that includes nature. We’re all connected, and together, one by one, plant by plant, yard by yard, we can all make a difference!
Pricing:
- $3.50 is the least expensive plant
- $25 is the most expensive plant
- Native plants are affordable and are adapted to the soil and weather conditions of our region. No soil amendments, fertilizers or special care required!
- We offer bare root trees and shrubs in spring for $5-$10 each.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leavesforwildlife.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leavesforwildlife/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leavesforwildlife
- Other: https://nextdoor.com/g/i0l6r0mpn/
