Promoting Habitat Restoration Using Native Plants

The Conservation Issue

Habitat loss and degradation has negatively impacted bird and insect populations. “Plants for Birds” initiatives, promoted by the National Audubon Society Bird Friendly Communities Program, and scientific research conducted by field experts like Dr. Doug Tallamy, serve as platforms to build engagement and increase action in response to this issue.

Promoting Habitat Restoration Using Native Plants

Lead Contributor: Heidi Shiver, Bucks County Audubon Society

ADOPTED: January 15, 2023

Bird populations have declined by over 3 billion breeding birds since 1970 in North America, with one of the primary causes being habitat loss and degradation.

Many native plants, insects, and birds have co-evolved together over millions of years, resulting in a symbiotic relationship that is mutually beneficial. Insects comprise 85% of the diet of most adult terrestrial birds and most baby birds require insects for 100% of their diet, usually in the form of caterpillars which provide a major source of protein and carotenoids. For example, it takes between 6000-9000 caterpillars to feed just one clutch of Black-capped Chickadees to maturity. Having coevolved with plants over millions of years, more than 90% of all plant-eating insects are specialists, requiring plants native to their ecosystems for their survival. For birds to be successful, they need caterpillars, which in turn need native plants.

The absence of native plants can render a landscape inhospitable for many insect species, creating a food and habitat shortage for many birds. A healthy habitat needs a minimum of 70% native plants to provide adequate food, optimally 94%. Landscapes that feature less than that percentage and/or high percentages of non-native plant species can result in ‘food deserts’ or ‘habitat sinks’ (places with habitat sufficient to attract animals but insufficient to support their survival or their young).  Unfortunately, these types of landscapes are prevalent among the 40 million acres of manicured lawns and backyards throughout the United States.

Educating and engaging homeowners and municipal leaders about the vital importance and community benefits of native plants is imperative for supporting healthier bird and insect populations. Bird Town Pennsylvania and other conservation organizations can serve as reliable sources for educational materials, planting guidance, and opportunities for increased impact, such as participation in Backyard Habitat Recognition programs.

It’s also critical to engage and educate local leaders at the state and federal level with regard to the development and implementation of impactful legislation and allocation of funding to support this issue.

Chapter Role
Council Role
Audubon Partner Role
Individual/Member Level
Promote bird friendly habitats by encouraging the use of native plants. Promote the different Backyard Habitat programs. Provide education and calls-to-action about the importance and benefits of native plants.
Facilitate the sharing of best practices among the chapters and provide resources and/or technical support. Connect with the network of Bird Towns to share stories and isseminate successful approaches to engage more people and properties.
Contact National Audubon Bird Friendly Communities, American Bird Conservancy for resources and materials to share. Connect with local Bird Towns, EACs, Watershed Associations, etc. to engage residents by partnering on events, pop-up gardens, and other opportunities with shared goals.
Community/Municipal Level
Work with local conservation groups such as Bird Town, Penn State Master Gardeners, and Watershed Associations to increase habitat and reduce mowing by installing meadows and rain gardens on municipal and school properties. Promote proclamations, resolutions, and ordinances (PROs) to support native plantings and lawn mowing reduction.
Facilitate the sharing of best practices among the chapters and provide resources and/or technical support. Promote opportunities for participation in the Bird Town program.
Contact local Bird Towns, Environmental Advisory Councils (EACs), Watershed Associations, and local nurseries, greenhouses, landscapers, etc. to create native plant demonstration gardens, restore habitat in public spaces (parks and schools), and host public planting events.
State/Federal Level
Engage and educate local leaders about the importance of healthy habitats needed to support local birds and wildlife. Invite them on Walk and Talk Bird Walks to learn more discuss opportunities. Encourage them to develop legislation and funding including, for example, Wildlife Corridors, and other similar initiatives.
Identify issues that chapters can support through sign-ons and direct communications with their members and communities including the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act or Endangered Species Act. Coordinate and drive these advocacy efforts and provide support for statewide conservation initiatives.
Work with Audubon’s regional and national offices and other organizations such as the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), National Wildlife Federation, WeConservePA, and others to promote state and/or Federal native plant initiatives. Work to identify additional invasive and nonnative plants as barred for sale in Pennsylvania. Look to the legislation adopted by Delaware as a model.