National Wildlife Federation’s Post

Spring has sprung and migratory birds are returning to the area - ready to take full advantage of the burgeoning insect populations, budding plants, and abundance of nesting locations. 🐦 Did you know that at least 4,000 species of birds are regular migrants, making up about 40 percent of the total number of birds in the world? As these feathered travelers make their way, they rely heavily on staging areas and stopovers where they can land to rest and refuel before continuing their long, arduous journeys. Unfortunately, the landscape has changed significantly over time, with farms and towns encroaching upon these vital habitats. In California, where shorebird populations have been declining, a new program run by the National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, and Point Blue Conservation Science called BirdReturns is working to address this issue. BirdReturns incentivizes farmers to flood their land, creating temporary wetlands when and where birds need them most. It's a win-win situation, benefiting both wildlife and land owners. To learn more, check out this article:  https://lnkd.in/gQqvKD5u #BiodiversityProtection #ShorebirdConservation #FarmersForNature

Pollinator wildflowers offer continuous flowers, pollen and nectar throughout the growing season. They are hardy and self-seeding, and ideal for reclamation and rehabilitation projects, conservation and pollinator habitats, roadside groundcover, and increasingly in home gardens and yards. Native pollinator plants are not only beneficial for bees, but also for the environment as a whole. They help to reduce erosion, conserve water, and improve soil quality. Moreover, native plants are more resistant to pests and diseases, which means that they require less maintenance and less use of harmful chemicals. By planting native plants, we are also supporting the local ecosystem by providing habitats for other native wildlife, including birds and butterflies. #hydroseedingcertified #hydroseedingcontractor #hydroseedingpro #hydroseedingspecialists #hydroseedingapplicator #hydroseedingcanada #hydroseeding #hydroseedingprofessional #hydroseedinglife #hydroseedingroadside #hydroseed #hydroseeders #hydromulch #hydromulching #landscaping #erosioncontrol #NewBrunswick #SprayItDontLayIt #erosioncontrolproducts #erosionprevention #stormwatersolutions #stormwaterrunoff #bioticearth #bioticsoil #bioticsoilamendment #landscapeconstruction #landscape_specialist #waterdelivery #bulkwater #NBRoadBuilders

What is a wildlife habitat marketplace? Is this the same as rewilding? And as a funded marketplace initiative what’s the total cost versus benefit in terms of sequestration, yield and ecological benefit.

🌍 This #WorldMigratoryBirdDay, let's spotlight the crucial role of insects and take action to protect them. Yes, birds are vital for pollination and pest control. But, did you know migratory birds heavily rely on insects for survival during their epic journeys? However, as insect populations decline, so do our feathered friends. Learn more about the importance of insects to migratory birds here: https://lnkd.in/eMcn_AX9 Want to know how you can make a positive difference? Here's what can YOU do: Cultivate native gardens to nurture wildlife habitats 🐝 Opt for organic products to steer clear of harmful pesticides 🌿 Combat habitat destruction from development or landscaping 🚫🌳 Spread awareness about insects' vital role in our ecosystem among friends and family 🗣️ Back educational initiatives for insect conservation 💚 Advocate for laws safeguarding insects and migratory birds 📜 Get involved in local conservation projects to preserve natural habitats 🌍 🌿 Join us in spreading awareness and supporting conservation efforts! Learn more about Glimmer and our commitment to helping people and our planet thrive 👉🏼 https://glimmerworld.com/ #GlimmerTheSustainabilityNetwork #JoinTheCommunity #MakeAnImpact #ClimateAction #Sustainability #Wellbeing #WMBD2024 #ForNature

5 ways to help Monarch Butterflies in Southern Illinois 1. Plant Native Milkweed - the only plant Monarch caterpillars eat 2. Reduce pesticide use — one of the top threats to pollinators of all kinds is pesticides 3. Plant native, nectar plants, especially fall blooming plants — Monarchs ‘fatten up’ as they migrate through our region in the fall. To make it all the way to Mexico, they need flowers in September. Some examples include asters, goldenrods, ironweed, and false sunflowers. 4. Support prairie and forest protection and restoration efforts, like Poag Sand Prairie and Brushy Lake. These habitats are protected and being restored for wildlife and rely on community support to thrive. We need to protect more land to create strong habitat corridors throughout southern Illinois. 5. Advocate for native plant landscaping in your community over conventional lawns. It’s helpful to support your fellow pollinator and monarch lovers who convert their home landscapes to pollinator habitats—even just letting city officials know you appreciate what your fellow citizen is doing to support pollinators. Your kind and supportive words can go a long way! #MonarchConservation #PollinatorProtection #SouthernIllinois #WildlifeHabitat

🐦 Today, on World Sparrow Day, let's celebrate and protect our feathered friends! House sparrows, once a common sight, are now declining in numbers due to various factors. But fear not, there are simple ways we can all contribute to their conservation: 1. Provide Nesting Spaces: Place nest boxes or birdhouses in your garden or balcony. These cozy shelters mimic the natural habitats sparrows seek out for breeding. 2. Offer Food and Water: Set up bird feeders with a mix of seeds, grains, and suet. Ensure a fresh and clean water source is readily available, especially during hot summer months. 3. Avoid Chemicals: Minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides in your garden. These chemicals can harm sparrows directly or indirectly by reducing their insect prey. 4. Create Sparrow-Friendly Gardens: Plant native shrubs, bushes, and wildflowers that attract insects – a vital food source for sparrows. Dense vegetation also provides shelter and nesting sites. 5. Spread Awareness: Educate others about the importance of sparrows in our ecosystem and the threats they face. Encourage your community to join efforts in conserving these charismatic little birds. Together, let's take small steps to make a big difference in protecting house sparrows and ensuring their survival for generations to come! 🌿 #WorldSparrowDay #SparrowConservation #ProtectOurBirds 🐥

June is Pollinator Month, join us in celebrating the incredible pollinators that keep our ecosystems thriving and our food growing! From bees and butterflies to birds and bats, these tiny heroes play a vital role in pollination. 🐝 🏵 They’re responsible for 75% of flowering plant reproduction and one-third of our food supply. However, 16% of vertebrate pollinators, such as birds and bats, and 40% of invertebrate pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticides, introduced species, and climate change. Let's spread awareness, plant more habitat friendly plants, and support conservation efforts. Every little action counts! Stay tuned all month long for all things pollinators...... #PollinatorMonth #Pollinators #Conservation #Sustainability #CoastofMaineOrganic #June #PollinatorMonth #EcoHeroes #OrganicGardening

The term “invasive” aptly describes many species of plants and wildlife that have become more than a nuisance in many areas. Introduced for their appearances, potential benefits or even by accident, these species can take over where native plants and animals once had free rein, often crowding these out by taking over their habitats or food supplies. Brought into an unknown environment, they have no natural enemies or defenses against local climate, which can devastate the local landscape, making it hard to eradicate the invader, and the species themselves. https://lnkd.in/gRdR4d6F

Recognizing and Protecting Wild Bees Alberta has around 14 species of wild bees, but some researchers believe there are many more sub-species that simply haven't been recognized, yet. Some species of wild bee can sting, but are hard pressed to do so unless they are vigorously provoked. The wild frenzy of bee-protection, common just a short time ago, has seemingly disappeared from the public consciousness as we concentrate on other issues. It is still important that we give attention to pollinator protection in light of continuous climate change, pesticides and disease. Most people can easily discern Bumble bees from other species, but when it comes to the Carpenter bee varieties, they may be mistaken for flying ants and eradicated by over zealous property owners. Without an insect field guide in our hands, how can we quickly identify wild bees from wasps, hornets and ants? Observing the behaviors and feeding regimes will lead you to the right conclusions. Bees have evolved from wasps and hornets to seek out pollen and nectar instead of carnivorous prey. If the insect is aggressively seeking flesh and garbage, it's not a bee. Wasps and hornets will rest on flowers while they wait to ambush prey, but won't engage in the frantic pollen and nectar gathering activities you expect from bees.