Launch: Plant native plants

Native plants are those that have evolved to live in your area for millennia. The wildlife that live in your area have thus evolved to live alongside those plants and use them for food and shelter. In many cases, introduced and non-native plant species outcompete the local species, which puts local wildlife that depend on native plants at risk. The typical front lawn, for example, is not only monocultural but is also not likely comprised of native grasses. By replacing parts or all of your lawn with native plants, you can provide an inviting space for local wildlife, from birds to butterflies to amphibians, to thrive. If you live in an apartment and have a balcony, you can even experiment with planting native plants in large pots. Image: North Carolina Native Plant Society

Launch: Install a water source for wildlife

Even small water sources like bird baths can go a long way toward supporting your local wildlife. If you have a bird feeder or native plants that birds are visiting for food sources, the water source will make your outdoor area even more inviting for them. If you live in an apartment but have a patio or balcony space, several products are available that work for those kinds of spaces. If you have a yard space to work with and some time on your hands, you could take it a step further by installing a miniature pond. There are many ways to provide a source of water for wildlife, including opting for something as simple as a shallow dish of water that you fill and clean from time to time. Ensuring that your water source is well maintained is the key to keeping the wildlife healthy and returning for more.

Launch: Install a source of shelter

Manmade shelters for wildlife have played a pivotal role in many conservation stories. Take the Eastern Bluebird, for example, a species that was headed toward extinction in the mid-20th century due to a number of factors, including habitat loss, pesticides, and invasive species outcompeting them for habitat. In the late 1970s, a group of citizens formed the North American Bluebird Society to save the species and erected bluebird trails with bird houses appropriate in size and height for the Eastern Bluebird. Amazingly, the species bounced back and no longer faces extinction. Luckily, house and apartment dwellers can be part of the movement by putting up birdhouses not just for bluebirds but other species as well. Get started with Cornell Lab’s birdhouse guide.

Launch: Learn about the lights out for birds initiative

Did you know that light pollution is one of the greatest dangers to birds? Artificial night-time light from buildings confuses and disorients birds in migration and can cause mass displacement of our feathered friends. Fortunately, the solution is as simple as turning off exterior lighting or interior lighting without coverage from 11 pm – 6 am during migration season. A massive movement known as Lights Out has launched in recent years to mobilize people to take this very simple step to save birds. Learn more about when to turn off lights and how to shield outdoor lights here. Image: Bird Cast

Launch: Learn about bird-safe window decals

Every year, it is estimated that between 365 million and 1 billion birds die as a result of window collisions in the United States. Shocking right? Luckily, there are very simply actions you can take to reduce collisions. First, you can apply simple decals spaced 2-3 inches apart on your windows that make them visible to birds. A wide variety of products and patterns are available, generally at a low price-point. Explore here, at your local bird shop, or elsewhere online for options. There are other ways to take action, including making sure bird feeders are placed less than 3 feet away from your windows or more than 30 feet away. Image: BirdSafe

Launch: Identify local tree giveaway events

Many states and localities offer tree giveaway events. Depending on where you live, these may occur in either the fall or spring. Check your local government parks or environment department to see if they are hosting a tree giveaway this year. If so, take advantage of this free resource and plant a native tree in your yard if you have one! In addition to the beauty they provide, trees stabilize soil and mitigate flooding, shade our homes and reduce air conditioning costs, and provide habitat for local wildlife, among numerous other benefits. Image: Trees Lexington!