Lending a Helping Hand

Lots of folks like to do a little something to help wild life. Here are some ideas I've gathered that are realistic things just about anyone can do to help.

• Visit a bird sanctuary or wildlife rehab center. Even a donation of a few bucks or sponsoring a single animal will make a difference. They often need supplies as well, so you may have things around your house that are useful as gifts. Sponsoring an animal often gets one special privleges, such as a backstage pass, as well.
• Create a butterfly garden. This doesn't take much space or water and requires no pesticides, as many plants suitable for butterflies are also well adapted to your local conditions. In addition to books, conservation departments and community colleges have one day courses on creating butterfly gardens.
• If there is a nearby park with a lake, I'd be willing to bet in the summer evenings you will see bats there. Ask the local parks director if you can sponsor a bat house for the property. On public land, I think it's best to locate the bat house where people won't look up into it and disturb the bats or rope off a small area around the bat house. One could also put up nest boxes instead of bat houses. In the east where there is a few acres of prairie, grass, or other open land, purple martin houses might be erected. The martin houses are not cheap for a quality one, but they will last a long time. The design should be custom made for the martins in a way that helps exclude sparrows. I've also seen the hanging gords with martins in them.
• Some people suggest that feeding animals, such as with bird feeders, is helpful. I am no expert, but I have to say I am not convinced that this is the case. I've seen more than a few hawks that have learned to wait for lunch at birdfeeders. Many birdfeeders are also placed in yards with cats/dogs. In many cases, I wonder if bird feeding is not simply luring birds into predator rich grounds. Teaching mammals to frequent human dwellings is not a good idea either. Many garages are laden with mice posions and dangerous chemicals. It is also been suggested than without the proper care, feeding stations might become a source of disease.
• Volunteer to improve habitat on public lands. Depending on your location invasive species may need removed, controlled burns may need to be conducted, or a park watch may be needed to reduce misuse of the park.