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OUR EARTH DEPENDS ON YOUR ACTIONS
Things you can do all year round to improve the collective quality of life for everyone and everything.
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Create a backyard habitat for wildlife using native plants. This provides food, shelter, and water for birds, butterflies, and other resident/migrant species.
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Support elected officials and community initiatives that encourage conservation and open space preservation by writing letters, voting and engaging your neighbors in conversation.
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Limit all pesticide usage (as applies to your body, yard, township). Seek alternate solutions through less toxic alternatives. For more information, visit the Beyond Pesticides web site.
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Make energy efficiency a priority in your life. Drive an energy efficient car and use energy efficient appliances and light bulbs.
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Support New Jersey Audubon and other active environmental and conservation groups. Become a member, volunteer your time and expertise, and encourage others to share in these organizations’ mission.
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Be aware of environmental issues in your community. Attend and/or work with your town’s Planning Board. Document and report people and developers in violation of wetlands regulations.
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Share the joys of nature. Take a friend or neighbor on a field trip or nature walk as an introduction to natural history, teach your children to have a respect for nature and the environment or give a membership in a conservation organization as a gift.
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Promote eco-tourism and other sustainable industries. Let businesses know that you are visiting an area because of its diverse natural history.
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Keep all cats indoors. For more information, visit the Cats Indoors! web page.
NJAS staff has found the following books and resources to be valuable in establishing, enhancing and enjoying your backyard habitat! Contact your local NJAS Center.
Gardening for Hummingbirds and Butterflies
Attracting and Feeding Hummingbirds
By Sheri Williamson
T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
Stokes Hummingbird Book
The Complete Guide to Attracting & Enjoying Hummingbirds
By Donald and Lillian Stokes
Little, Brown and Company
Stokes Butterfly Book
An Easy Guide to Butterfly Gardening, Identification, & Behavior
By Donald and Lillian Stokes
Little, Brown and Company
Stokes Bird Gardening Book
The Complete Guide to Creating A Bird-Friendly Habitat in Your Backyard
By Donald and Lillian Stokes
Enjoying Butterflies More
By Jeffrey Glassberg
Bird Watcher’s Digest
Enjoying Hummingbirds More
By Nancy Newfield
Bird Watcher’s Digest
Butterfly Gardens
Luring Nature’s Loveliest Pollinators to Your Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Butterfly Gardening
Creating Summer Magic in Your Garden
The Xerces Society
Butterfly Gardening for the South
By Geyata Ajilvsgi
Taylor Publishing Company
Natural Habitat Gardening
Noah’s Garden
By Sara Stein
Houghton Mifflin Company
Planting Noah’s Garden
By Sara Stein
Houghton Mifflin Company
Thoreau’s Garden
By Peter Loewer
Stackpole Books
Requiem for a Lawnmower
By Sally Wasowski
Taylor Publishing Company
The Wild Lawn Handbook
By Stevie Daniels
Macmillan
Environmental Gardener
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Gardening With Wildflowers
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Going Native
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Natural Lawn and Alternatives
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Well-Tended Perennial Garden
By Tracy DiSabato-Aust
Timber Press
Helpful Background
The Birder’s Handbook
By Ehrlich, Dobkin, & Wheye
Simon and Schuster
American Wildlife & Plants
A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits
By Martin, Zim, & Nelson
Dover
Hummingbirds
A Wildlife Handbook
By Kim Long
Johnson Books
Hummingbirds of North America
By Steve N.G. Howell
Princeton University Press
Butterflies Through Binoculars
The East
By Jeffrey Glassberg
Oxford University Press
Peterson First Guide Caterpillars
By Amy Bartlett Wright
Houghton Mifflin Company
Peterson First Guide Butterflies and Moths
By Paul A. Opler
Houghton Mifflin Company