Tag: Bats

There are many organizations helping to protect endangered species around the world. BirdLife International is a wonderful resource that can help you to find programs aimed at helping species in your area and around the world.

You may even be able to volunteer! One way you can volunteer is to help scientists out. You do not have to be a scientist yourself to help with research projects aimed at helping wildlife and the environment.

If you don’t have time to volunteer, a donation can be a big help to conservation programs and organizations. (A caveat: always do your research before you donate money to any organization! You want to be sure your money will be put to good use.) 

You can make a big difference in small ways every day.

Excerpt from Losing Altitude, by Arras Wiedorn.

Artwork by Kitty Harvill, AFC.

Choose native plants for your garden, especially those which will provide food and shelter for native species of birds and other wildlife.

You can also provide:

• food
• shelter
• water
• bird feeders
• bird houses
• bird baths
• fountains

Different birds have different needs, so be sure to find out what species are in your area and what kinds of houses are best for them. (You can also put up bat houses!)

If you are going to be providing food, do your research first and be sure that you are choosing safe and healthy options. A local birding shop should be able to help you choose. Also make sure that the water you provide stays clean and fresh.

You might also consider reducing your lawn, because close-cropped grass lawns are inefficient and not very wildlife friendly. When it comes to watering and fertilizing your lawn and garden, choose environmentally friendly solutions such as collecting rainwater and creating compost.

Avoid using chemicals such as fertilizers and insecticides, as these chemicals can be detrimental to wildlife. They can even harm species that they are not intended to affect; don’t forget, many birds and other animals eat plants and insects and may ingest any chemicals you put in your lawn or garden.

Excerpt from Losing Altitude, by Arras Wiedorn.

Artwork by SEM.