Beyond Monarchs
It’s not just monarchs that are in peril. Countless other species across North America (and around the world) are facing similar threats. As we continue to fragment habitats, accelerate global warming, contaminate our air, water, and soil with toxic pesticides and pollutants, and introduce invasive plants and animals across the globe, many species are headed in the same trajectory as the monarch butterfly.
The tool of Monarch Defenders for saving the iconic butterflies – creating backyard habitats – can help other species, too! Making our backyards more wildlife-friendly is one of the most important things you can do to restore biodiversity. Read the guides below (featured last year in our newsletter) to learn more about creating an ecological oasis just on your property. And sign up for our email list to keep getting helpful tips!
Prior newsletters
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Insects
Life depends on insects. Insects serve a crucial role in the ecosystem, from providing pollination benefits and being a highly important food source for most birds. However, insects are declining, and its not just butterflies. Read the newsletter below to learn how to help these critical critters!
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Birds
From goldfinches to crows, swallows to nighthawks, birds are declining across North America. A recent report found that 1 in 4 birds has been lost since 1970. But just like with monarchs, rewilding your yard will bring back populations. From installing an owl box to planting native trees, learn how to support our avian companions.
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Mammals
You may think that urban and suburban areas can’t support many mammals. But think again. Many mammals (like foxes, coyotes, opossums, bats, tree squirrels, and even flying squirrels) are adapting to life around humans. Read the guide below for tips on encouraging them in your backyard.
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Reptiles & Amphibians
Though often unseen and unnoticed, reptiles and amphibians are important backyard critters too! From the viviparous garter snake to the terrestrial box turtle, reptiles and amphibians are incredible wildlife that deserve our attention just as much as charismatic birds and butterflies. Read this guide to learn more about their intricate life cycles and how to attract them on your property.
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Radical rewilding
Want to go beyond planting in your backyard? Try radical rewilding: restoring degraded land such as urbanvacant lots, neglected park edges, and roadsides. This is an easy way to improve invasive-dominated areas if you are not part of a larger organization and don’t have much land yourself. From planting trees to seed bombing and removing harmful invasive plants, the following pages will teach you how to get started!