According to the 2022 State of the Birds report from the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, more than half of bird species in the United States are on the decline. Landscape designer and founder of The Perfect Earth Project Edwina von Gal gives us some simple steps we can take to help out.
Photograph by Edwina von Gal
The two major causes for bird decline are loss of habitat and pesticide use, says Edwina.
Photograph by Eric Ozawa
Of the The Perfect Earth Project, Edwina says: "we’re asking people to make a simple commitment: for every three plants you buy, make sure two are native, and say no to pesticides."
Photograph by Melissa Ozawa
To find good native plant sources, talk with your local nursery.
Photograph by Edwina von Gal
A Yellow-throated Warbler perches on a pine bough.
Photograph by Eric Ozawa
In von Gal’s garden, she hung a clay cavity bird house, which is often inhabited by wrens, in a bed of New York asters and mammoth sunflower that will provide seeds for hungry birds.