The Jobs of Wildlife Conservation Organizations
In today’s world of hybrid cars and “organic” foods, the term eco-friendly doesn’t really mean much anymore. Mostly, it is a buzzword for companies to use in order to seem less evil. They put terms on products that don’t really mean anything in hopes that this faux environmental consciousness will make them more money.
For most of us who enjoy nature, the issue of conservation is close to the heart. If you’ve lived more than a couple decades, you have probably seen noticeable deterioration of the environment. And though more and more corporations taut “eco-friendliness” among their good qualities, it is difficult to discern what is actually being done to protect our environment.
There are still people that care though, and usually they are actively working towards awareness of and participation in real environmental efforts. One arena in which this is clear is that of conservation. It is pretty cut and dry to see what organizations are doing to help endangered species and if they are not living up to their intent.
There is no doubt that it is important to find products and items that actually are environmentally sustainable and can be utilized every day. However, this does not mean that larger conservation issues are fruitless, or should be ignored. Indeed, only when both “big-picture” and everyday issues are addressed can we be on our way to a society truly at peace with the planet on which we live.
This is why straight-to-the-point conservation efforts are so important. They give people the chance to work for a specific cause, and see the results of their contribution. In the birding world, there are many different forms of conservation, and many organizations involved in them.
Audubon Society
The Audubon Society is probably the most famous conservation society in existence. Though its roots and focus are on birds, individual chapters focus on whatever environmental projects their members are passionate about.
The Audubon Society covers all levels of conservation. Interested nature enthusiasts can help with educational events, fundraising, and hands-on conservation efforts. Whether it is participating in a Christmas Bird Count or raising awareness about endangered species, there are many ways for you to get involved.
Project Feederwatch
Cornell University has embraced the idea of citizen science and gives bird watchers across the nation the opportunity to help researchers monitor bird activity. For a $15 fee that pays for all the information and supplies you need to participate, you can become a Feederwatcher. This means you send in information about birds you spot in your area so that scientists can map migration patterns. This information is crucial to scientific studies involving birds, and the participation of nationwide volunteers offers the chance for more accurate information than ever.
Bird City Wisconsin
The State of Wisconsin has started a project with birds in mind that should help local bird populations throughout the state. The program is modeled after “Tree City USA” and strives to bring attention to bird-centered conservation practices. If a city meets 7 of 22 criteria, they can be named a “Bird City”. This is meant to encourage community involvement and awareness of environmental efforts that are and still need to be taken.
Conserving for Life
The increasing urbanization of natural habitats means that our responsibility to nature is also increasing. For every building we erect, we must make sure that the resources we are stripping from native wildlife are replaced. From planting trees and wildlife gardens in urban areas, to fighting for protected status for endangered lands and creatures, it is our responsibility to ensure that nature is taken care of, so it can continue to take care of us.
Making conservation a part of your daily life can be done in a variety of ways. You can join one of the projects listed above or see what other options are available in your area. Or you can start your own conservation project. Simply keeping a garden full of native plants helps support surrounding wildlife. Take a friend on a hike to see birds and creatures they might not see every day. Share your passion for nature with others. Most of all, be deliberate in your actions and think about the consequences of your actions.
Ernie Allison is a nature writer with a particular interest in birds. He is dedicated to using his writing skills to bring awareness to conservation issues concerning birds. To help further this mission, he writes for the bird feeder provider, birdfeeders.com.
