Habitat is Vital
The vital connection between the survival of diverse regional native plant communities and the survival of our songbirds has now been well established by research from the scientific community.
We also know that native plant communities are under extreme duress from development and from the domination of resources by alien plant life — plants that will not support the large and diverse insect populations that are essential for successful songbird breeding.
Estimates are that perhaps as little as 3% of the land area remains free from disturbance and is still able to support robust native plant and animal communities.
This raises the serious possibility of dire consequences not only for our songbirds, but for human health as well. We depend upon thriving natural plant and animal communities for the suppression of pathogens that threaten human health and pest insects that destroy crops, as well as for our water and air quality.
Photos by Andy Reago, Chrissy McClarren and David Mosher
"To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival. In order to do that, we must learn to see the world not as a collection of commodities, but as a community to which we belong." — Wendell Berry
A Wildflower a Day
A Wildflower a Day explores the close relationship between native plant communities, the insects that depend on them, and the songbirds whose survival depends in turn on those insects. As development and invasive plants continue to erode intact habitat, the consequences reach far beyond birds alone — affecting ecological resilience, water and air quality, and human health. This film features photography of native plants in bloom in a number of sites across the state of Michigan.
The Discovery Center
Learn more about the Discovery Center, our living demonstration site where native plants, insects, and birds are observed and documented through the seasons.
The Power of One
Read stories from Power of One, highlighting individuals and small projects making a measurable difference for birds and habitat.
“Our migratory birds are going through some very tough times, and we need action at every level to turn things around. But it’s really not enough to demand action at every level on the nationwide, state, and local scene. Every concerned American can do things at home to make the world better for birds. It’s not simply preaching conservation; it is practicing it! Saving Birds Thru Habitat is doing just that. The use of as many native plantings as possible in our own yards—from grasses to flowers to bushes to trees—is crucial. Protecting birds from window collisions and outdoor cats is part of the process. So is providing water in the yard and thoughtful bird-friendly shopping for the dinner table. Teaching and setting an example are weighty responsibilities, and Saving Birds Thru Habitat is showing the way.”
— Paul Baicich