Conservation

Plant Native Plants

Planting native plants in your yard have many benefits. Native plants are use to the environment and need less water to survive. They help with pollinating animals, such as bees, butterflies, birds, and bats. Native plants not only provide nectar from flowers but seeds as well.

NestWatch is a nationwide monitoring program designed to track status and trends in the reproductive biology of birds, including when nesting occurs, number of eggs laid, how many eggs hatch, and how many hatchlings survive. Our database is intended to be used to study the current condition of breeding bird populations and how they may be changing over time as a result of climate change, habitat degradation and loss, expansion of urban areas, and the introduction of non-native plants and animals.

Trash pickup

Often times birds will collect string or plastic bits to add to the nest. It can be fun to see how birds are using our trash for nests, but it can have deadly consequences. As birds are learning to walk can trip on the garbage or get tangled. Birds are unable to untangle themselves and the garbage can cut off the circulation to the limb of the bird causing wounds, infections, disease, and death before they can leave the nest. Parents often feed garbage to the chicks as well. This is not part of a proper diet and can cause growth and development issues.

As you go on hikes, walks, or birding, be aware of any garbage you could potentially leave behind. Pack out what you take with you, and be willing to clean up as you go along.

Utah Lake Field Station

Biological field stations provide living libraries and outdoor laboratories for students, researchers, and the general public interested in the environment.

We are committed to advancing our understanding of the Earth by supporting research, teaching, and public education.

Research stations provide an invaluable service to local communities and the country by providing unbiased scientific information and facilities to help governmental and other stakeholders tackle critical environmental issues. Field station staff and researchers play a critical role in ensuring that environmental considerations are factored into local and regional planning and development decisions.

Western Water News

How we can better understand the connection between water and birds and what is happening in the western United States

• Western Water in 2021
• Federal Priorities for a Secure Water Future in the West
• Groundwater Protections Key to Sustaining Water
• Water and Birds in the Arid West: Habitats in Decline.