Conservation Initiatives
CONSERVATION IS THE HEART OF THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING
For Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) and our partners, the effort we put forth on the festival is worth it because the event raises awareness and appreciation for birds and habitat conservation in a major way. The bottom line is this: we want to help people fall in love with birds, and this is a perfect place to do that! We believe that connecting people to the joys of birding is the first step in building support for conservation; people care more about the things they love.
And when spring migration has winged its way through the area, and the Magee Marsh Boardwalk is once again draped in quiet shadows, the folks at BSBO will gather up the economic impact you helped generate during your visit, and we will trumpet that to all those who will listen. The heart of conservation keeps beating!
Below, we offer some simple, fun, beautiful, and even tasty ways to help give something back to the birds that bring such joy to our lives.
For Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) and our partners, the effort we put forth on the festival is worth it because the event raises awareness and appreciation for birds and habitat conservation in a major way. The bottom line is this: we want to help people fall in love with birds, and this is a perfect place to do that! We believe that connecting people to the joys of birding is the first step in building support for conservation; people care more about the things they love.
And when spring migration has winged its way through the area, and the Magee Marsh Boardwalk is once again draped in quiet shadows, the folks at BSBO will gather up the economic impact you helped generate during your visit, and we will trumpet that to all those who will listen. The heart of conservation keeps beating!
Below, we offer some simple, fun, beautiful, and even tasty ways to help give something back to the birds that bring such joy to our lives.
KEEP KIDS CONNECTED TO NATURE
The future of bird conservation depends on keeping the next generation tuned in to nature. With each passing day, advancements in technology in our ever-changing world are pulling kids further and further from nature. Take a few minutes to take your kids out for a walk. Volunteer to lead nature hikes for kids at a nature center, for your local Audubon Chapter, or for your family and friends.
The future of bird conservation depends on keeping the next generation tuned in to nature. With each passing day, advancements in technology in our ever-changing world are pulling kids further and further from nature. Take a few minutes to take your kids out for a walk. Volunteer to lead nature hikes for kids at a nature center, for your local Audubon Chapter, or for your family and friends.
OHIO WILDLIFE LEGACY STAMP
Buying this collectible wildlife stamp will show your support for:
For more information about the Ohio Wildlife Legacy stamp, click HERE.
Buying this collectible wildlife stamp will show your support for:
- habitat restoration, land purchases, and conservation easements
- keeping common species common
- endangered and threatened native species
- educational products for students and wildlife enthusiasts
- wildlife and habitat research projects
For more information about the Ohio Wildlife Legacy stamp, click HERE.
FEDERAL DUCK STAMP
For every dollar you spend on Federal Duck Stamps, ninety-eight cents goes directly to purchase vital habitat for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Why should you buy Duck Stamps?
Since the 1930s, the Federal Duck Stamps have contributed over $850 million and have helped to protect 5.5 million acres of habitat for wildlife and future generations. Buying the stamp is perhaps the single simplest thing individuals can do to support a legacy of wetland and grassland conservation for birds. Virtually all the stamp proceeds ($.98 of every $1) go to help secure valuable Refuge System habitats.
We feel strongly that every birder should purchase a Duck Stamp:
1) to support this important habitat conservation program
2) to provide proof that birders voluntarily purchase this stamp in order to support the resource
For more information about the Federal Duck Stamp, click HERE.
For every dollar you spend on Federal Duck Stamps, ninety-eight cents goes directly to purchase vital habitat for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Why should you buy Duck Stamps?
Since the 1930s, the Federal Duck Stamps have contributed over $850 million and have helped to protect 5.5 million acres of habitat for wildlife and future generations. Buying the stamp is perhaps the single simplest thing individuals can do to support a legacy of wetland and grassland conservation for birds. Virtually all the stamp proceeds ($.98 of every $1) go to help secure valuable Refuge System habitats.
We feel strongly that every birder should purchase a Duck Stamp:
1) to support this important habitat conservation program
2) to provide proof that birders voluntarily purchase this stamp in order to support the resource
For more information about the Federal Duck Stamp, click HERE.
KEEP CATS INDOORS
From Our Partners at American Bird Conservancy
Domestic cats (Felis catus) can provide excellent companionship and make wonderful pets. But when allowed to roam outdoors, this non-native invasive species threatens the welfare of birds and other wildlife and endangers the integrity of the ecosystems into which domestic cats are introduced.
Domestic cats are recognized as a threat to global biodiversity. Cats have contributed to the extinction of 33 species across the world and continue to adversely impact a wide variety of species, including those that are threatened or endangered. The ecological dangers are so critical that the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) now lists domestic cats as one of the world’s worst non-native invasive species.
In the U.S., free-roaming domestic cats kill an estimated 1.4-3.7 billion birds and 6.9-20.7 billion mammals. The sheer quantity of cat-caused mortality is staggering. For perspective, consider that 1.4 billion is equivalent to the entire human population of China, the most populous country in the world. As the number of cats continues to grow and owners continue to allow their pets to roam, harmful impacts will surely increase.
From Our Partners at American Bird Conservancy
Domestic cats (Felis catus) can provide excellent companionship and make wonderful pets. But when allowed to roam outdoors, this non-native invasive species threatens the welfare of birds and other wildlife and endangers the integrity of the ecosystems into which domestic cats are introduced.
Domestic cats are recognized as a threat to global biodiversity. Cats have contributed to the extinction of 33 species across the world and continue to adversely impact a wide variety of species, including those that are threatened or endangered. The ecological dangers are so critical that the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) now lists domestic cats as one of the world’s worst non-native invasive species.
In the U.S., free-roaming domestic cats kill an estimated 1.4-3.7 billion birds and 6.9-20.7 billion mammals. The sheer quantity of cat-caused mortality is staggering. For perspective, consider that 1.4 billion is equivalent to the entire human population of China, the most populous country in the world. As the number of cats continues to grow and owners continue to allow their pets to roam, harmful impacts will surely increase.
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KEEP CATS INDOORS!
Great Blue Heron with fishing line around its bill
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PICK UP DISCARDED FISHING LINE
Every year, thousands of birds become entangled in abandoned fishing line and die from drowning, starvation, dehydration, or strangulation; sometimes these animals struggle for days before they die. Because fishing line is such a potent hazard to birds, it is imperative that it is properly cleaned up and safely disposed of. Whether or not you fish, you can always help. From HOW FISHING LINE HURTS BIRDS by Melissa Mayntz
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DRINK CERTIFIED BIRD-FRIENDLY COFFEE
Drinking certified shade-grown coffee is an easy (and tasty!) way to support bird habitat conservation. Your hosts at The Biggest Week are happy to recommend the following company for all of your shade-grown coffee needs.
BIRDS AND BEANS
We want to make sure that people who enjoy coffee and care about conservation can get great coffee that they know is good for bird conservation, family farmers, and the environment. Our commitment to quality and service ensures that fresh-roasted, great-tasting ‘Birds & Beans - The Good Coffee™’ flies straight to your door and into your cup.
Half of the people in the US have a cup of coffee every day but few understand the environmental impact of coffee. Even fewer prioritize origin and know how coffee farming affects people, farms, forests, and birds all over the world. In 2009, we started a coffee business focused on bird decline and the vital importance of the Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certification. Our goal was to bring a natural balance to coffee rituals.
Today Birds & Beans is an established Bird Friendly Coffee destination. Our success has come from our loyal, conscientious customers and our dedicated partners. At Birds & Beans Coffee we believe humanity will flourish if we are simply more friendly to each other and the natural world around us. We strongly support our certifications and give back 5% from every bag of coffee sold to our conservation partners.
100% Organic. 100% Fair Trade. 100% Bird Friendly.
Every bean. Every bag.
We are your Bird Friendly Coffee company!
For more information or to order, click HERE.
Drinking certified shade-grown coffee is an easy (and tasty!) way to support bird habitat conservation. Your hosts at The Biggest Week are happy to recommend the following company for all of your shade-grown coffee needs.
BIRDS AND BEANS
We want to make sure that people who enjoy coffee and care about conservation can get great coffee that they know is good for bird conservation, family farmers, and the environment. Our commitment to quality and service ensures that fresh-roasted, great-tasting ‘Birds & Beans - The Good Coffee™’ flies straight to your door and into your cup.
Half of the people in the US have a cup of coffee every day but few understand the environmental impact of coffee. Even fewer prioritize origin and know how coffee farming affects people, farms, forests, and birds all over the world. In 2009, we started a coffee business focused on bird decline and the vital importance of the Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certification. Our goal was to bring a natural balance to coffee rituals.
Today Birds & Beans is an established Bird Friendly Coffee destination. Our success has come from our loyal, conscientious customers and our dedicated partners. At Birds & Beans Coffee we believe humanity will flourish if we are simply more friendly to each other and the natural world around us. We strongly support our certifications and give back 5% from every bag of coffee sold to our conservation partners.
100% Organic. 100% Fair Trade. 100% Bird Friendly.
Every bean. Every bag.
We are your Bird Friendly Coffee company!
For more information or to order, click HERE.
BIGGEST WEEK BIRDER'S CALLING CARDS
HERE you will find a PDF of The Biggest Week in American Birding birder's calling cards. Please print a few and use them when you visit area businesses. We want them to know that you are here because of the great birds you will see.
Many thanks to Linda Gardner for developing the idea behind the "We are in your area viewing birds and wildlife" type of cards 24 years ago. Her idea has been adapted and used across the country, and these seemingly innocent little cards have played a huge role in connecting the business communities with the fact that habitat conservation is an important issue! Thank you, Linda! And, thanks to Liz Gordon for sharing this information about Linda's great idea!
HERE you will find a PDF of The Biggest Week in American Birding birder's calling cards. Please print a few and use them when you visit area businesses. We want them to know that you are here because of the great birds you will see.
Many thanks to Linda Gardner for developing the idea behind the "We are in your area viewing birds and wildlife" type of cards 24 years ago. Her idea has been adapted and used across the country, and these seemingly innocent little cards have played a huge role in connecting the business communities with the fact that habitat conservation is an important issue! Thank you, Linda! And, thanks to Liz Gordon for sharing this information about Linda's great idea!
DON'T RELEASE HELIUM BALLOONS!
So you let a balloon go … Where will it go from there? You will probably watch the balloon until it floats out of sight. But many may not realize that what goes up must come down. And come down they do, as litter on our planet. The balloon will continue to climb in elevation until the atmospheric pressure will cause most to pop and the rest to slowly deflate, but all will then descend to Earth where some will fall on land while most will fall in the vast ocean. Learn more at the Balloons Blow website. |
This is where the balloon is clearly considered litter. After landing, the balloon (with or without ribbons) becomes a ticking time bomb. The balloon can have devastating impacts on wildlife and the environment. Balloons take years to break down. This gives plenty of time for wildlife to encounter this seemingly harmless killer.
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BRING YOUR OWN REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES OR COFFEE MUGS
Plastic water bottles generate a lot of trash. Remember to bring your own reusable water bottle. Drinking fountains are located at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, the Bird Center at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, and at The Maumee Bay State Park Nature Center.
Plastic water bottles generate a lot of trash. Remember to bring your own reusable water bottle. Drinking fountains are located at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, the Bird Center at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, and at The Maumee Bay State Park Nature Center.