A groundbreaking study published in 2019 in the journal “Science” concluded that North America’s bird population has shrunk by nearly 3 billion in the past half-century. That means there are 25 percent fewer birds alive today in the United States and Canada than there were in 1970. 

Woodbridge residents at  Fox Hill Run,  Forest View, Evergreen East, Evergreen Forest and Cloverleaf Gardens will learn more about the myriad challenges faced by biologists in trying to protect endangered species on New Jersey’s busy tourist-filled beaches when the Woodbridge Public Library presents on July 14th @7pm Beach Nesting Birds: The Birds of Summer. To register for this free event click here. 

Presented by Todd Pover, Senior Wildlife Biologist for the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, attendees will learn more about the latest management strategies being implemented and the progress being made towards recovery. 

Concerned citizens ask, “what can I do?” and even if you are not a birder, here are some things we can all take upon ourselves; 

  • Support land conservation. Every time a forest, a meadow or a stream corridor is permanently preserved, birds have places to feed, nest and rest. 
  • Plant natives. Replace all or part of your lawn with native plants, which attract the insects that birds need to survive. 
  • Purchase organic. Steer clear of foods grown with neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides that are highly toxic to birds and insects.
  • Reduce plastics. Avoid single-use plastics, like plastic grocery bags, food containers, straws and utensils. More than 90 percent of plastics are not recycled, and they take centuries to degrade. Seabirds are among the birds most at risk of ingesting plastics in the environment.
  • Control house cats. Even well-fed cats can become bird predators when allowed to roam. If your cat likes the outdoors, consider building a screened enclosure, or “catio.”
  • Drink bird-friendly coffee. Look for java that is certified bird-friendly; it’s grown in the shade and doesn’t require the destruction of forest habitats.
  • Volunteer! Serve on your town’s open space committee or environmental commission, or donate your time to one of the many nonprofits that conserve and restore New Jersey’s wildlife habitats.

Make this summer your season for a new abode by visiting our Apartment Locator page on BestrentNJ.com where Garden State dwellers can choose from a roster of beautiful affordable residential communities.