SHADOW SPEAK
The Art and Science of Connecting with Birds
A conservation situation
I have been to South America three times, visiting distinct biomes, twice spending prolonged periods with small hunter-gatherer societies. These people are now gone or radically changed by an altered environment. Throughout the continent there is massive deforestation for large scale agriculture, logging, and other uses. My favorite place is in Paraguay, in a region being deforested at a world record rate. Needless to say wildlife there is in serious jeopardy.
You don’t need to go as far as Paraguay to see the serious nature of the situation. It is present everywhere. Take simple steps that impact wildlife where you live; that will impact wildlife on a larger scale. Do your part by acting now.
Use reusable containers as much as possible. Why not take your own bags grocery shopping? Why not bring your own container when you buy a coffee?
Use paper, metal, or glass when they are available. Avoid plastics as much as you can. Then recycle. (https://inthistogetheramerica.org/2021/03/18/6-ways-to-reduce-single-use-plastic/)
- Take shorter showers! Wildlife here depends on the abundance of local fresh water. Taking five-minute showers and turning the water off while washing your hands, doing the dishes, or brushing your teeth are all easy ways to conserve fresh water.
- Respect local habitats. Plants growing in the parks and nature preserves near you often play an important role in preserving the local ecosystem. When you’re outdoors, protect local biodiversity by sticking to the walking path or hiking trail.
- Take a second look at insects! Bees and other insects are important to preserving wildlife in their surroundings – and they are increasingly under attack. Be mindful about the products you use, as standard backyard pesticides can be harmful or deadly.
- Vote in elections. Preserving wildlife takes working together. This includes electing local officials, senators, representatives, and a president who will work together to preserve wildlife around the world.
Some Wildlife Conservation Organizations
Local and State Resources
- Michigan Nature Conservancy (https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/michigan/)
- Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy (https://www.smlcland.org/)
- Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/NAP/pages/naturalareapreservation.aspx)
- Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program (https://www.washtenaw.org/939/Natural-Areas-Preservation-Program)
- Alaska Wilderness League (https://alaskawild.org/)