Ditches provide habitat for wildlife

Reading the July 28 letter 'Mow ditches, beautify our area”:

I applaud the state for its efforts in the care of our ditches. By reseeding many of our ditches with native prairie seed, Iowa has provided a much-needed habitat for many insects, birds, butterflies and mammals.

In addition, the ditch growth helps to control the runoff from heavy rains that otherwise would rush to our streams and rivers. Most farm fields offer little in the way of fence row or slough habitat for our wildlife.

As for the complaint about thistle, it happens to be a favorite food of our state bird.

I congratulate the state for its reduction in fossil fuels by not mowing the ditches and returning a very small part of Iowa back to its native beauty.

Mark Wery

Cedar Rapids