Thursday, March 14 at 7pm. Online.

Our landscapes have a tremendous impact on bird diversity, and with so many native bird populations in steep decline, understanding their needs is more important than ever. With her urban garden as a case study, Claudia Thompson will explore the essential principles for creating avian-friendly landscapes for a wide variety of land bird species — from song birds to owls, woodpeckers, and more. Native plants provide the foundation with healthy flora-fauna relationships that are essential for food and habitat. Also important is the structure of the landscape so that it offers varied canopy layers, protective cover, and water. Finally, she will consider the pros and cons of our human interactions with birds, using birdfeeders and nest boxes, and through the design of our built environment. Every landscape matters, and each of us can make a difference!

REGISTER

Ms. Thompson founded Grow Native Massachusetts in 2010 and served as the organization’s President and Executive Director through its first decade. Her work as a landscape ecologist is also deeply informed by her personal experience over three decades, transforming her relatively small urban garden into rich habitat where she documented more than 80 species of birds. Her lifelong career in the environmental sector has included other notable roles, serving as Director of Education for the Appalachian Mountain Club, Director of Drumlin Farm for Mass Audubon, and on the board of the New England Wild Flower Society.

This webinar is cosponsord by Friends of Cold Spring Park, Green Newton, and Newton Tree Conservancy.