Don’t think ‘yard,’ think ‘habitat’

Each year, 2 million acres of bird and wildlife habitat are lost to residential and commercial use, displacing birds and other wildlife. In fact, the most significant factor in the decline of bird and wildlife populations across the United States is the loss and degradation of habitat.

The National Audubon Society urges all of us to consider wildlife when planting new gardens and planning landscapes.

Factors to take into account are food, water, nesting areas and shelter – when these are available, people can slow the loss of wildlife habitats caused by urban sprawl.

The Audubon At Home program suggests these steps to provide safe habitat and help ensure a safe spring migration:

• Eliminate or reduce pesticide use – this reduces the toxins in water supply, soil and food sources.