Bird-Friendly Communities

The world's largest bird sanctuary is no further away than our back yards.

Photo: Mitch Robinson

 


Why are Native Plants Better for Birds and People?
Native birds need native plants and the insects that have co-evolved with them. Most landscaping plants available in nurseries are exotic species from other countries. Many are prized for qualities that make them poor food sources for native birds—like having leaves that are unpalatable to native insects and caterpillars. With 96 percent of all terrestrial bird species in North America feeding insects to their young, planting insect-proof exotic plants is like serving up plastic food. No insects? No birds.  Simply put, native plants:

· Are the foundation of our natural food chain and the key for attracting and supporting birds, butterflies/pollinators and other wildlife

· Are adapted to our regional conditions and may require less maintenance and water, rarely needing the use of pesticides and fertilizers

· Promote biodiversity, helping strengthen and support local ecosystems

Native Plant Nursery
Conservation

Native Plant Nursery

Strawberry Plains Audubon Center has a spring and fall native plant sale, and plants are for sale by appointment throughout the rest of the year.

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Conservation On the Ground: Oxford, MS
Education

Ole Miss Native Plant Campaign

A multi-year project native plant and habitat campaign is gaining ground on campus at the University of Mississippi.

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Native Plant Resources & Literature
Bird-Friendly Communities

Native Plant Resources & Literature

We provide several free references for information on Native Plants, pollinators and Creating Bird-Friendly Communities.

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Native Habitat at State Waterfowl Wildlife Management Area
Working Lands

Native Habitat at State Waterfowl Refuge

Strawberry Plains Audubon Center recently has partnered with the Army Corp of Engineers and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks to enhance biodiversity and encourage awareness of native habitat at the State Waterfowl Wildlife Management Area on Sardis Lake, out side of Oxford, MS.

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White-eyed Vireo

Latin:  Vireo griseus

Illustration for White-eyed Vireo

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Latin:  Archilochus colubris

Illustration for Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Eastern Bluebird

Latin:  Sialia sialis

Illustration for Eastern Bluebird

Summer Tanager

Latin:  Piranga rubra

Illustration for Summer Tanager

How you can help, right now