Conservation
Our conservation support will help you act on behalf of birds, other wildlife, and the natural world.
Human activity is the biggest threat to our environment, but we often feel helpless because our individual actions seem minuscule compared to such immense issues. However, millions of people taking small steps that suit their lives will benefit generations to come. Start with what you can—but start.
RECENT CONSERVATION BLOG POSTS
Audubon Highlights from The 2021 Legislative Session
Background There are about 600 lobbyists that work the Colorado Legislature, among which are two full-time lobbyists that focus solely on conservation issues. Among these is Jen Boulton, who has served as the lobbyist for Audubon since 1994, interacting with the 100 elected officials (65 Representatives, 35 Senators) on a daily basis. In fact, Audubon
Audubon Center Gets a Bird-Friendly Window Upgrade
Audubon Center Gets a Bird-Friendly Window Upgrade If you’ve been inside our center, chances are you’ve watched or identified birds at the feeders through the bird feeder window. Despite the UV window decals, sometimes we would experience the unfortunate incident of a bird flying into the window. Why does that happen? Birds don’t understand the
How Turning Lights Out Helps Birds
Lights Out Colorado - How Turning Lights Out Helps Birds Turning lights out a few weeks each year is a simple action we can all take to help birds migrating through, to, and out of our city. Bird populations in North America have declined by 29% (3 billion birds) since 1970, and birds need all
STRATEGY
Our vision is to transform Denver into the most bird-friendly city in the US. To achieve this, our Conservation, Stewardship, and Restoration Plan focuses on improving urban and developed habitats in the Denver metro area. Our goals are twofold. Firstly, to increase stewardship actions in the community, creating bird friendly projects and properties; and secondly, to generate change in groups, organizations, institutions, and agencies by influencing the implementation of bird friendly practices, policies, and ordinances.
If you need help with a conservation issue or are interested in helping birds in your neighborhood, please email Suzy Hiskey, Conservation Coordinator.
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Our biggest environmental influence is through our conservation committee, which supports Denver-area residents and advocacy groups with advice and guidance, including writing letters, commenting on legislation, and testifying at hearings. We discuss current issues at bimonthly committee meetings that are open to the public.
If you want to join our committee or attend a meeting, please email the chair, Polly Reetz.
INITIATIVES
Though not an exhaustive list of threats, below are a few of our recent conservation initiatives.
KEEPING CATS INDOORS IS BETTER FOR CATS AND BIRDS
Outdoor cats and feral cat communities kill 2.4 billion birds in the US every year. Keep your cats indoors to help bird populations flourish, and to help your cats live healthier and longer lives.
USING NON-LEAD AMMUNITION PROTECTS RAPTORS
Lead in bullets leaches into animal tissue that raptors scavenge and eat. This lead poisons bald eagles and other raptors. Hunters can protect non-game wildlife by using non-lead ammunition.
GROWING NATIVE PLANTS RESTORES LOST BIRD HABITAT
Habitat loss through human development is an enormous threat to birds. Using native plants in your landscaping provides habitat and attracts beautiful birds to your yard.
APPLYING WINDOW TREATMENTS PREVENTS STRIKES
Birds can’t see windows. When they smack into windows, it can kill or seriously injure them. Use bird-friendly window treatments to help birds fly around windows—not into them.