10 actions we can take to protect wildlife

The real wealth of a nation lies in its resources of earth, soil, water, forest, minerals and wildlife. Rachel Carson

Plant it and they will come

Often the knowledge concerning the loss of habitat, and decrease in specie diversity is overwhelming; however, there are several actions that anyone can take to practice conservation practices in our own neighborhoods and communities. Two federal leaders with a plethora of accessible and ecologically sound ideas include: The Natural Resources Conservation Service 'Backyard Conservation Program' and the US Fish and Wildlife Services Wildlife conservation programs for students and recent graduates. Their programs include:

• The Pathways Program

• Youth Engaged for Change

• Student Conservation Association (SCA)

• Youth Conservation Corps

If everyone on our planet would engage in small, meaningful ways we would create a mosaic of change that extends from our own yards, to our cities/towns, state, countries and the world. Here are some additional actions that anyone can do:

1.Landscape with natives:

Investigate what plants are most appropriate to plant in your community. Turn your yard into a haven for birds, and other wildlife. Contact local botanical gardens for water conservation and natural landscape ideas. Or contact your area county extension agent.

2.Turn Brown Space Green:

In urban and suburban communities across America, communities are turning unused brown space (abandoned spaces) into green space. These blighted and neglected sites are being transformed into parks, community gardens, and wildlife sanctuaries. Find a group in your community and lend a hand, or begin a project.

3.Become a certified Wildlife Habitat Specialist or Master Gardener:

Learn the basics of landscape and design, meet wonderful like-minded people and make a difference with more knowledge. Contact your local county extension agency or the Windstar Wildlife Institute to learn about how thoughtful landscaping can lead to biodiversity. Want to take it a step further? Pursue a degree in Botany, Horticulture or join your local native plant society.

4. Volunteer:

Organizations that preserve and protect our worlds national resource heritage are always in need of volunteers. Contact the organizations whose vision most resonates with you, and lend a hand. Your talents, and commitment will make a difference. For your next vacation consider an volunteer vacation. They are by far the most memorable and rewarding. Some examples:

• Habitat for Humanity

• Humane Society Local

• Best Friends Animal Society -or any local animal shelter

• WWOOF-USA

• WWOOF-International

• Build Abroad Humanity

• National Park Service

• State Parks-local

5. Make conscientious purchases:

Learn about how products that you use are harvested, manufactured and distributed. Make a conscientious effort to support local businesses with best management practices with the least impact and displacement to wildlife. Support also the sustainable economics of farmers. Purchase shade grown coffee, and sustainable food products. Organics as often as you are able. Start a garden in your own yard.

6. Support the protection of your public lands:

Become educated about issues facing our public lands. Write your senators and congressman as needed. Consider joining your local conservation district and learn about current projects in your community. There are several agricultural grants that support the restoration of habitat for wildlife.

7. Reduce your carbon footprint:

Learn how your daily activities contributes to climate change which can result in habitat and specie loss. Ride the bus, carpool or ride your bicycle several times per week. These simple activities will help both your heart and health of the planet.

8. Compost

Become familiar with the 'art of rot'. Begin composting your food and yard wastes in outside compost bins. Learn how to build an earth-worm composting (vermicomposting) bin system in your garage or home. Support your community green recycling centers, and also strongly encourage area schools to compost food waste.

9. Recycle, Reduce, Reuse

If you don't have blue-bin recycling opportunities in your neighborhood consider attending your city council meeting and start a petition. Utilize all recycling opportunities, especially those that recycle electronic equipment.

10. Love your mother

We have only one earth. And, we probably will not be moving to Mars to plant potatoes anytime soon. Consequently, love your mother-earth as yourself, because every positive action has a cumulative effect.