Hello! Welcome to the Backyard Buffers for Birds sign-up.
Buffer forests are naturally somewhat
wild places, where forest and wetland meet and mingle, providing critical
wildlife habitat
and water quality benefits in otherwise suburban or urban areas. They provide fall color and flood mitigation, erosion control and
foraging spots. From the tallest canopy tree, to the shrubs
and wildflowers on the forest floor each layer
plays a role in providing these benefits.
One of the groups of animals that relies on the native trees and shrubs that comprise healthy forest the most are birds. Many beloved species depend on forests for shelter, food, resting or perching areas, etc. Birds make for good indicators of how well your property supports wildlife more generally, with more birds meaning more habitat. Come learn how to support our feathered friends, and pick-up species designed to help you improve your habitat, at the Backyard Buffers for Birds workshop at the Washington County Ag Education Center (7313 Sharpsburg Pike Boonsboro, MD).
Tree Giveaway Pickup: 8am-1pm
- 30 total trees/shrubs
- 5 of each of: White Oak, Loblolly-Pitch Pine Hybrid, Chickasaw Plum, Serviceberry, Red Osier Dogwood, Northern Bayberry
Buffers for Birds: 9am-12:30pm
- Managing Forest Bird Habitat (Jim Siegel, National Conservation Training Center)
- Shrubland Bird Habitat: Using Woody Natives for Wildlife (David Smith, Audubon Society of Central Maryland)
- Grassland Birds and Certifying Your Property (KC Walters, Potomac Valley Audubon Society)
- Managing Bird Habitat in Your Yard: Using Wildflowers and Grasses (Annette Cormany, UMD Extension)
Sign up today or contact Bob Schwartz (robertr.schwartz@maryland.gov) for more information.
