BIODIVERSITY LOSS
1. Research invasive species in our area, what can be done about them, and what is being done? THEN, design and carry out a project to remove an invasive species from your property and if possible, plant a native species in its place.
2. Conduct a survey of birds in our community. Then put together a bird identification guide that includes picture of the bird, where the birds like to nest, what they eat, and resident status, etc.
3. Participate in the Adopt a Raptor program with the Southern Maryland Audubon Society.
4. Build and mount bat boxes, bluebird boxes, wood duck boxes, barn owl nesting boxes, etc
5. Prepare a bird-friendly garden.
6. Create a pollinator garden.
7. Join an environmentally-minded civic group and participate in a project to improve the environment. (For examples, visit or contact Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary and Chestnut Land Trust.)
8. Evaluate what chemicals your family (and extend family) use on their lawns, gardens, etc. Then research and find alternatives for them. Prepare a list of the alternatives, where you can get them, or how to make them, when to use them etc. In addition, perform a test of your soil before adding any fertilizer to see if it actually needs it.
9. Create a "rain garden" or install rain barrels to keep rain water in your yard to replenish plants.
10. Visit a Southern Maryland Park and pick up trash, do a nature survey of plants/animals, or volunteer with one of their projects.
11. Install a bird feeder at NMS or other location in an appropriate location. Determine what type of birds are likely to visit the feeder based on the style of the bird feeder and the type of feed you decide to use. Check your feeder every few days to see if the food is being eaten and if possible, what birds (or other animals) are visiting the feeder.
2. Conduct a survey of birds in our community. Then put together a bird identification guide that includes picture of the bird, where the birds like to nest, what they eat, and resident status, etc.
3. Participate in the Adopt a Raptor program with the Southern Maryland Audubon Society.
4. Build and mount bat boxes, bluebird boxes, wood duck boxes, barn owl nesting boxes, etc
5. Prepare a bird-friendly garden.
6. Create a pollinator garden.
7. Join an environmentally-minded civic group and participate in a project to improve the environment. (For examples, visit or contact Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary and Chestnut Land Trust.)
8. Evaluate what chemicals your family (and extend family) use on their lawns, gardens, etc. Then research and find alternatives for them. Prepare a list of the alternatives, where you can get them, or how to make them, when to use them etc. In addition, perform a test of your soil before adding any fertilizer to see if it actually needs it.
9. Create a "rain garden" or install rain barrels to keep rain water in your yard to replenish plants.
10. Visit a Southern Maryland Park and pick up trash, do a nature survey of plants/animals, or volunteer with one of their projects.
- Calvert Cliffs State Park
- Cedarville State Forest
- Chapel Point State Park
- Chapman State Park
- Franklin Point State Park
- Greenwell State Park
- Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden
- Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
- Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and Visitors Center
- Newtowne Neck State Park
- Point Lookout State Park
- Rosaryville State Park
- Sandy Point State Park
- Smallwood State Park
- St. Clement's Island State Park
- St. Mary's River State Park
11. Install a bird feeder at NMS or other location in an appropriate location. Determine what type of birds are likely to visit the feeder based on the style of the bird feeder and the type of feed you decide to use. Check your feeder every few days to see if the food is being eaten and if possible, what birds (or other animals) are visiting the feeder.