With the holidays around the corner, we just wanted to take the time and say happy holidays to everyone. We have had another successful year here at our nature center and wildlife hospital helping the community in many different ways. From school programs and outreach events to animal intake, we have been busy doing our mission’s work within the community. This year, our summer camp was able to reach over 100 kids throughout the 10 weeks it was offered. This break camp allows children to become more connected with the world around them through activities and lessons focused on environmental themes. Our hospital was able to help over 1,200 animals such as opossums, squirrels, turtles, and different types of birds including hawks, owls, and songbirds as well. Throughout the year, we were able to reach and help educate over 6,000 individuals through school field trips and outreach visits with our programs. Our year was only successful because of the individuals who helped us including our volunteers. We had over 400 volunteers that were able to log over 7,000 hours with us. This includes volunteers who help us take care of our property, ones who help in our hospital with animal husbandry, and in our office with data input and customer service. Lastly, we were able to reach over 7,000 individuals through visitation, outreach, and events that we host and over 150,000 people through our social media platforms.
If you would like to help us continue our work here, please consider donating below.
The winter solstice is an annual occurrence that marks the shortest day of the year. During this time, the sun appears lowest in the sky and the Earth receives less sunlight- the days are shorter, and the nights are longer. This is due to the rotation of the Earth around the sun. In December, the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, and the winter solstice marks the time of the year when the northern hemisphere of the Earth is tilted farthest away from the sun. The opposite is occurring in the southern hemisphere. There the winter solstice is celebrated in June because in December, the southern hemisphere is tilted closer to the sun and in June, it is tilted away from the sun due to the rotation of Earth on its axis.
If you look back in history, the winter solstice historically has been a time of celebration for many different religions and cultures to celebrate the winter season and the return of light after harvest. There has been proof of humans observing the winter solstice as early as 10,200 BC (around the end of the Stone Age). These traditions and celebrations often are accompanied by fire and light to celebrate the return of light. This is because after the winter solstice, days start becoming longer and the nights shorter as spring approaches.
In November of this year, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated the plant hardiness zones. Although this might not seem like a big deal, changes in these zones could have greater impacts than you would expect. Plant hardiness zones are standards used by gardeners and growers to help determine which plants can grow and survive in your local area. These hardiness zones are determined based on each location’s average annual minimum temperature. These annual minimum temperatures affect the plants and insects that can survive over the winter. Insect species need to be considered in this because they also affect the types of plants that can survive in an area. Insects help contribute to beneficial processes for plants such as pollination, controlling pests, and maintaining healthy soil. Without the assistance of these insects, these plants would not survive.
Due to increasing temperatures, these zones have needed to be adjusted. This affects not only the native plants in your area but the crops that farmers grow as well. With the change in hardiness zones, these growers need to make sure that the variety of plants they are growing can withstand these new conditions. In addition to the annual minimum temperature, other factors such as local rainfall and soil type also affect which plants can survive in an area. This could lead to issues down the road. These shifting conditions could expand the range of harmful and/or invasive plant and insect species which can overtake native species and cause competition within the ecosystem.
See the updated map (linked below) to ensure success with your garden
World Wildlife Conservation Day is celebrated in the US on December 4th every year. This day recognizes the continuous efforts to help protect and preserve the declining populations of plant and animal species worldwide. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (the most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus, and plant species) over 42,000 species are currently at risk of extinction. Of the total assessed species, 27% of mammals, 41% of amphibians, 13% of birds, 21% of reptiles, 37% of sharks and rays, and 28% of crustaceans are under threat. This is due to various factors including habitat loss (the decline of viable habitat), habitat fragmentation (the separation of habitat), hunting and poaching efforts, competition among species, and a lack of genetic diversity.
This day also focuses on helping to combat wildlife crime and working to help enforce efforts set forth in the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA was created to help ensure the survival of species by protecting organisms that are threatened or endangered. This is done through seeking out and funding education and local conservation efforts, funding and providing the necessary means for research and data collection, and having governmental organizations (USFWS, NOAA, etc.) carry out work as well. These actions have helped improve the populations of many species that are threatened and have helped bring some species back from extinction. Some efforts have been so successful that some species have even been taken off the endangered species list. Animals like the bald eagle and American alligator were originally placed on this list, but with funding and efforts assisted by the ESA, were able to successfully recover and be taken off the list.
Below is a list of ways you can help conserve wildlife:
Be more mindful of what you choose to support
Some of the products you use daily such as body wash and make-up are made from materials that can be harmful to the planet. Items such as palm oil and microbeads have had a negative impact on the environment. Be sure to research the products you use and the ingredients in them if you want to be more environmentally conscious. Buying from sustainable brands and sites helps the planet from reducing emissions and waste to supporting environmental organizations through these brands and companies.
Support local environmental center and areas
By supporting local areas and centers, you help support local conservation efforts in your community. Local organizations are focused on regional concerns such as native animal rehabilitation, environmental education, research, and conservation efforts that can have an impact in your backyard.
Backyard ecosystem
Your own backyard can be a chance to help improve local populations. By having native plants in your backyard and incorporating items such as bird baths and butterfly habitats, you can help support native species. Simple things like this help ensure the survival of pollinators which are valuable to the ecosystem. Bird baths provide rest as well for not only bird species, but for small insects as well.
