Spotlight on 7 Ways You Can Help Local Wildlife

You may think that you have little influence when it comes to protecting other species on the planet. The good news is that there are a host of easy things that you and your family can do to support wildlife without leaving your community. Finding something that resonates and excites you has never been simpler. Let’s explore seven ways that you can get involved.

Learn about local species

One of the first steps you can take is to study up on what types of species live where you do. This will help you to understand the unique characteristics of the amazing animals that share your environment and how they survive. You’ll start to appreciate the nature of their habitats and the needs of these creatures. Take every opportunity to observe the wildlife you can find nearby as you learn about their nesting and migration patterns, where they find food, and more. Your research will build a sense of connection and educate you about what species are threatened with extinction. 

Attract pollinators and others

Your backyard is the perfect place to promote the health and well-being of the natural world. Foster the growth of native plants in your yard so they may offer shelter and food for indigenous wildlife that depend on them. Take care not to disturb areas on your property where birds and small animals congregate. In order to attract more bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, you should fill your garden beds with a variety of perennial plants and flowers that bloom annually. Educate yourself about invasive species that may pose a hazard to native growth, and remove anything suspect.

Protect animals on your property

It’s important to keep wild creatures safe when they come onto your property. This means securing garbage bags in locked compartments, storing plastic waste and other recycling properly outside, and refraining from using chemicals or other substances in your yard that could be harmful. Herbicides and pesticides should be avoided since they pose a substantial risk to small creatures. Be sure to clean and disinfect bird feeders and bird baths to limit the possibility of transmitting disease. If you have large windows, put decals on them or suspend suncatchers so birds are forewarned not to fly into them.

Think sustainability while shopping

One impactful move you can make to support wildlife is to be mindful about what you buy. Being a responsible shopper involves reading labels and asking questions to select sustainably produced products that don’t negatively impact the environment.

Purchasing recycled paper, choosing food that’s not grown with chemicals, reusing plastic items, and finding eco-friendly apparel are all actions you can take for a positive effect on the long-term health of the Earth’s ecosystem. Remember, the marketplace responds to what people spend their money on, and your choices today will result in more options tomorrow.

Speak up on behalf of other species

Another effective method for making a difference in the lives of other species is using your voice. Open conversations with your friends, family, and neighbors, and tell them what you’re learning about the plight of endangered species and the fascinating facts about local wildlife. Share information on social media along with your concerns. Sign petitions to save particular animals from extinction or safeguard natural habitats. Write to your government representatives, and join the conversation in online forums devoted to making changes for the better.

Team up with like-minded people

There’s power in numbers so step up your efforts and join others who are on a mission to make positive changes for wildlife. You’ll see there’s no shortage of eco-minded organizations welcoming members. Oftentimes, these groups are devoted to one specific cause or another so you should be able to locate a non-profit that really speaks to you. The organization might be formed to protect an area of boreal forest that certain species call home or charged with making local highways safer for woodland mammals to cross. Whatever the reason, there’s synergy in working with others and greater potential for a positive outcome.

Visit a park or refuge

Take the whole family to a national park or nature center where you can experience wildlife and learn more about their habitats. Visit a refuge that cares for endangered animals to see the impact that these environments have. These settings will make you feel closer to nature and more invested in its preservation. Such outings can open the eyes of all family members to the wonderful diversity of species that cohabit with humans.

In closing

Increasing your knowledge about local wildlife, promoting the right vegetation in your yard, protecting animals from hazards on your property, buying sustainable products, advocating personally or rallying around an environmental cause, and visiting wildlife sanctuaries are some approaches to protecting other species. Make the decision today to get involved, and you’ll be glad you did.