Wildcat Glades promoting Plants for Birds Initiative

(From Wildcat Glades)

With spring arriving earlier than usual and bird migration currently underway, Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center invites nature enthusiasts to grow bird-friendly native plants at home. Through Audubon’s Plants for Birds public online database, anyone nationwide can access a list of native plants that benefit their favorite local bird species, by just typing in their zip code.

Chris Pistole, Education Director at Wildcat Glades, said “We’re excited to see National Audubon using technology through this web site to create a new tool that is easy for anyone with access to a computer to use to learn more about their local native plants and to create a more bird-friendly yard. Even just small portions of a yard dedicated to growing native plants can add up to make a big difference for some birds, especially during migration.”

Wildcat Glades is encouraging homeowners to take a small portion of yard and add native plants to benefit birds, butterflies, and other species as well. To provide information on how to “naturescape,” a free workshop in conjunction with the Missouri Dept. of Conservation will be held on Sat., Apr. 22nd from 9:30-11:30 at Wildcat Glades. People can register in person at the local MDC office at Wildcat Glades or by calling MDC at 417-629-3423. Free materials will be distributed including handouts and native plants provided by MDC.

Center staff will also promote the Plants for Birds initiative at several community events this spring, culminating in the Wildcat Glades annual native plant sale provided by the Missouri Wildflower Nursery at Wildcat Glades on Sat., May 27th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to support the Audubon Center.

“Did you know that 96% of land birds feed insects and spiders to their chicks? A single nest of chickadee babies may scarf down as many as 9,000 caterpillars before they fledge. Native tree species are better for birds because they host many more caterpillars; native oaks support more than 550 kinds of butterflies and moths. Non-native Ginkgo trees? Only five.” said Tod Winston, Plants for Birds program associate at Audubon. Gardens are outdoor sanctuaries for birds, insects and other wildlife. Every spring, migrating birds visit our yards looking for nourishment from our gardens and places to raise their chicks. By adding native plants to one’s yard, balcony, container garden, rooftop or public space, anyone, anywhere can not only attract more birds but give them the best chance of survival in the face of climate change and urban development.

Most landscaping plants available in nurseries are exotic species from other countries. Many are prized for qualities that make them poor food sources for wildlife. They generally also require more chemicals and water to thrive, increasing maintenance time, costs and environmental hazards. Some can even become invasive.

“Birds and native plants are made for each other thanks to millions of years of evolution,” says Dr. John Rowden, Audubon’s director of community conservation. “As plants grow and bloom earlier because of warming temperatures, there is a growing mismatch between bloom times and the arrival of birds that depend on them. Habitat provided by native plants can help climate threatened birds adapt and survive.”

By growing native plants, you can help protect birds while turning your home into a private wildlife paradise. Keep the Four-state’s common birds common with these native plants this spring:

* Chickadees and Titmice Birds: Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse

Attract Them With: Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) and sumacs (Rhus spp.)



* Hummingbirds Birds: Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Attract Them With: Penstemons (Penstemon spp.), milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), and sages (Salvia spp.)



* Warblers and Vireos Birds: Yellow Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo

Attract Them With: Oaks (Quercus spp.) and redbud (Cercis canadensis)



* Woodpeckers Birds: Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-bellied Woodpecker

Attract Them With: Hickories (Carya spp.), oaks (Quercus spp.), and cherries (Prunus sp.)



If you plant it, the birds will come. Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center can be reached at wildcatglades@audubon.org, 417-782-6287, or www.wildcatglades.audubon.org for anyone seeking more information and where to obtain the right plants. For extra bird-friendly home tips, gardening DIY’s, and more, visit audubon.org/plantsforbirds

What’s that bird outside your window? Download Audubon’s free app today and get an award-winning field guide at your fingertips, audubon.org/apps

About Wildcat Glades

Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center is a not-for-profit organization supported by program and rental fees, grants, and donations. Wildcat Glades is an affiliate of the National Audubon Society.

At Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center, we envision a world where people are emotionally and intellectually connected with nature and make sound stewardship decisions in their daily lives. For more information on how to get involved, visit our web site at www.wildcatglades.audubon.org.