by High Country Gardens

A Guest Post From Audubon Rockies/Habitat Hero Program

Gardens are outdoor sanctuaries for birds, insects and other wildlife. Every spring, migrating birds visit our yards looking for nourishment from our gardens and places to raise their chicks. By adding native plants to one’s yard, balcony, container garden, rooftop or public space, anyone, anywhere can attract birds AND give them the nourishment they need for the long journey ahead.

Most landscaping plants available in nurseries are exotic species from other countries. Not only are they generally poor food sources for our local wildlife but they often require more chemicals and water, increasing maintenance time, costs and environmental hazards. Some can even become invasive.

And How About All This Weird Winter And Spring Weather?

“Birds and native plants are made for each other thanks to millions of years of evolution,” said Dr. John Rowden, director of community conservation for the National Audubon Society. “As plants grow and bloom earlier because of warming temperatures, there is a growing mismatch between bloom times and the arrival of birds that depend on them. Habitat provided by native plants can help climate-threatened birds adapt and survive.”

Help keep our common birds common by planting native plants.

Audubon Rockies Has Created Fun Ways You Can Help Birds In WY, CO and Beyond

Birds, bees, and butterflies cannot survive in sterile communities. Audubon Rockies’ Habitat Hero Program works with partners and community members to make a difference by stitching our fractured landscape back together. Join us in creating gardens and backyards that provide homes and, food sources, for a wide range of wildlife.

How Can You Be Involved?

• Stay Informed: Download this brochure, "Creating a Bird-Friendly Space with Native Plants"
• Plant Natives: To know the best plants for your area, search Audubon’s native plants database and purchase native plants from a wide selection at High Country Gardens
• Watch a Video: Learn how you can help create a better world for birds right from your own home with this fun video
• Research: For extra bird-friendly home tips, gardening DIY’s, and more, visit audubon.org/plantsforbirds

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