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
Comment by July 20 to Protect Migratory Birds
Comment by July 20 to Protect Migratory Birds A Denver Audubon member recently asked, "are all the birds dying in Denver?" Judging by the activity of birds visiting our back yard feeders—families of Black-capped Chickadees, Flickers, House Finches, House Wrens, and Bushtits—we said no. But we do know that bird numbers in North America are
Hunt Non-lead to Protect Non-game Wildlife
Conservation is Our Hunting Heritage: Using Non-lead Ammo to Protect Wildlife By Emily M. Davenport, Nature’s Educators Hunters were among the first conservationists and remain a strong force in conservation today. Through programs like the Pittman-Robertson Act and the Duck Stamp Program, hunters help fund conservation programs all over the United States, assisting in the
U.S. Government Ignoring Critical Bird Protections
The U.S. Government is Ignoring Critical Bird Protections The Department of the Interior is fast-tracking plans to strip away critical protections in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act that, for 50 years, have protected migratory birds and their nests, eggs, and young. A recent article in Science (October 2019) estimates that 3 billion birds—or 29% of
STRATEGY
Our vision is to transform Denver into the most bird-friendly city in the US. To achieve this, conservation coordinator, Suzy Hiskey, is currently soliciting input from Denver Audubon’s supporters, members, and volunteers to develop a strategy for attacking the biggest threats to birds in the Denver metro area. We expect to post the strategy this autumn.
If you need help with a conservation issue or want to give input on our strategy, please email Suzy Hiskey.
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.