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Becoming Aware The first step towards helping species of special concern is to make yourself and others aware of their value and of the threats posed to them. Taking action starts with understanding why you're doing it in the first place. Why try and help endangered and threatened species? What are their values to the world around them? Start by researching the possible intrinsic, ecological, medicinal, agricultural, commercial, aesthetic, recreation, and cultural benefits that these species provide. Resources For You:
As you begin to understand their value to the world around them, continue researching in order to better understand the threats that are posed to them in the Juniata Watershed, in Pennsylvania and beyond. Educate yourself about things like habitat fragmentation, alteration, and destruction, as well as overexploitation, pet trade, pesticides/herbicides, exotics/invasives, air, land, and water pollution. Resources For You: See our links page for more places to go on the Web to find information about endangered and threatened species, and also search in your local/school library for books on the subject. You will then be better prepared to take action and help protect these species. Conservation of Habitat Protection and preservation of habitats is critical in order to protect and preserve species of special concern. Some of the best places that provide critical habitat to endangered species are parks, nature reserves, and wildnerness areas such as wetlands. It is important to support the creation, and preservation of areas like these in your watershed. Visiting these areas will help you learn more about what kinds of plants and animals reside in them, and whether any are considered species of special concern. Talk to people who work in these areas, like park rangers, to find out as much as possible. Find out about possible volunteer opportunities for you and for children in your family. Remember when visiting these areas to respect the rules and regulations that are set for them. Creation of Habitat You can become involved in creating habitat that may be used by native animal species, and possibly, species of special concern, by researching and implementing native plant life on your own land. Native grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees are more likely to attract native birds, butterflies and other insects, and maybe even some threatened species. Taking measures as simple as planting trees or setting up bird feeders/baths will help create a safe haven for animals to reside in. Resources For You: In your own backyard:
Another great way to help is to start composting. Not only will you be reducing your trash output, but you will be creating natural fertilizer that can be used in place of harmful chemical fertilizers. Resources For You: Guides to Composting: Composting Products: Control of Invasives and Exotics Both invasive and exotic species are well-known for outcompeting native plants and animals. To learn more about this area and what you can do, visit out Invasives page. Resources For You:
Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling By reducing energy consumption, you can reduce the need for its production and the negative effects it can have on wildlife. Once again, small measures like turning off appliances that aren't in use, utilizing mass transportation and car pooling, and using water saving devices in your showers and toilets can make a big difference. Reducing your waste production, as well as altering the types of waste you produce are also critical steps that can be taken. Resources For You: Waste Minimizing:
Ecological Footprint: Being conscious of things like packaging materials when you are shopping can help in waste reduction and alteration. Choosing minimal packaging and avoiding things like styrofoam are all good ideas. Also being concious of how products are produced is important. Learn about products made with alternative processes or alternative materials such as organic foods and post-consumer recycled materials. Resources For You: Resposible Consumer:
Minimal Packaging: Reusable Bags: Joining an Organization There are many different organizations that are involved with wildlife conservation, and especially, in the conservation of endangered and threatened species. Look towards local organizations in the Juniata Watershed, as well as state, national, and international organizations. Visit our links page to find some of these organizations and research additional organizations as well. You may even consider starting a local organization in your area. Resources For You: Juniata Valley Audubon Society
Contacting Government Officials As you learn more about species of special concern, and begin to take action in your home and in your community, keep in mind the importance of making sure your representitives are also becoming aware and taking actions to help. Find out about regulations in your area, as well as current events that may be threatening wildlife in your watershed. Resources For You: Also research issues of importance in the past, and learn where your officials have stood on these issues. If you feel that something more can be done to help threatened and endangered wildlife in the watershed and beyond, make your voice heard. Contact your government officials and encourage others to do the same, and let them know how important the issue of threatened and endangered species is to you. Resources For You: Legislative Information on the Internet
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