Let’s not beat our wings around the bush. Bird species are declining at a staggering rate. Canada and the United States have lost 30 per cent of their bird populations in the last 50 years. That amounts to nearly three billion birds. Their loss signals an environment in crisis and a need for action.
Three billion fewer beaks has economic and cultural consequences. Bird-related recreational activities, like bird watching, generate billions of dollars for the Canadian economy. But more importantly, birds are critical to agriculture and food production. They help with seed dispersal, insect control and pollination.
Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats to all species. But scientists are also pointing to climate change. Shorter winters mean migrating birds are arriving after the spring insect hatch. Tired and hungry after a long flight, they’re returning to find the cupboards bare. This is affecting survival rates.
The good news is we can reverse this trend. Creating and protecting healthy habitat is the best approach to reducing further losses. You can build habitat by planting native trees and plants on your property. A single tree can support hundreds of insects to feed migrating and breeding birds. Hay growers, like the Wright family, can delay hay cutting to protect high risk species of grassland birds.
Learn more about the state of Canada’s birds in this report by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative. Contact a CVC stewardship coordinator to learn what you can do for birds on your property. No action is too small.
|
|
Public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic may alter programming. Please check CVC Events for current information.
|
|
|
Climate Change and Your Health
Saturday, May 30, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Warwick Conservation Centre. Register.
Is climate change making us sick? Get a diagnosis on how changes in our climate will impact the local environment and public health. Learn ways to keep you and your property healthy.
Septic Social
Saturday, June 6, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Private Residence, Caledon. Register.
Get pumped about proper septic system maintenance. Join us septic-side to learn how you can protect groundwater and community health on your property.
|
|
Sincerely,
Your Countryside Stewardship Team
|
|
|
|