In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.
Since 1994, this handbook has been the definitive source for bat house information. This new edition updates the original bat house plans and includes a new "rocket box" design, along with mounting suggestions, tips for experimentation, and more.
“With the twinned calamities of climate change and mass extinction weighing heavier and heavier on my nature-besotted soul, here were concrete, affordable actions that I could take, that anyone could take, to help our wild neighbors thrive in the built human environment. And it all starts with nothing more than a seed. Bringing Nature Home is a miracle: a book that summons butterflies." —Margaret Renkl, The Washington Post As development and habitat destruction accelerate, there are increasing pressures on wildlife populations. In his groundbreaking book Bringing Nature Home, Douglas W. Tallamy reveals the unbreakable link between native plant species and native wildlife—native insects cannot, or will not, eat alien plants. When native plants disappear, the insects disappear, impoverishing the food source for birds and other animals. Luckily, there is an important and simple step we can all take to help reverse this alarming trend: everyone with access to a patch of earth can make a significant contribution toward sustaining biodiversity by simply choosing native plants. By acting on Douglas Tallamy's practical and achievable recommendations, we can all make a difference.
Jojo is prepping for an exciting night; it’s time for the bat count! Bats have always been a welcome presence during the summers in the family barn. But over the years, the numbers have dwindled as many bats in the area caught white-nose syndrome. Jojo and her family count the bats and send the numbers to scientists who study bats, to see if the bat population can recover. On a summer evening, the family quietly makes their way to the lawn to watch the sky and count the visitors to their farm. This fictional story includes a 4-page For Creative Minds section in the back of the book and a 65-page cross-curricular Teaching Activity Guide online. Bat Count is vetted by experts and designed to encourage parental engagement. Its extensive back matter helps teachers with time-saving lesson ideas, provides extensions for science, math, and social studies units, and uses inquiry-based learning to help build critical thinking skills in young readers. The Spanish translation supports ELL and dual-language programs. The interactive ebook reads aloud in both English and Spanish with word highlighting and audio speed control to promote oral language skills, fluency, pronunciation, text engagement, and reading comprehension. Tap animals and other things that make noise to hear their sounds.
A pocket-size, brilliantly colorful, simple-to-use guide to bats, containing dozens of full-color photographs that enable readers of all ages to identify the most common species; range maps; tips on attracting and observing creatures in the wild; information on habitat needs, life cycle, food preferences; and much more.
Introduces readers to the roles of bats in world ecosystems, as well as threats to bat populations and conservation efforts. Eye-catching infographics, clear text, and a “That’s Amazing!” feature make this book an engaging exploration of the importance of bats.
Did you know that almost a third of the world’s 1,300 species of bats are in serious trouble? The latest, updated edition of a teacher and classroom favorite with two brand new illustrations and spotlights on vanishing species and how we can help. Perfect for budding scientists, environmentalists, and nature lovers. Chased from their caves and forests, sickened by cave-dwelling fungi, and swept from the skies by wind turbines, bats have no place to hide. And human actions often contribute to the problems. How can we help ensure that there will be a safe place for bats? In simple yet compelling language, acclaimed science writer Melissa Stewart showcases twelve types of North American bats, from the familiar little brown bat to the Mexican free-tailed bat. Her clear narrative shows the threats these bats face, and updated informative sidebars describe a variety of efforts to save them. In addition, remarkable full-color illustrations vividly and accurately depict bats within the ecosystems that support their survival. Range maps and additional bat facts are also included. This newly updated nonfiction picture book is part of a prize-winning series designed to inform young readers about a wide range of environmental issues and to present ways people can help protect animals and their natural habitats.
A fun book written by environmentalist and jack-of-all-trades, Brad Spacone. A how-to book that's interesting for any reader. Not only does he reveal easy to follow instructions on how to build a bat house, the author shares story vignettes of his life in Florida. Follow him as he tells about buying his dream home on a finger canal of the Cypress Creek.
Discover the Secret World of Bats Right in Your Backyard! Unlock the hidden potential of your garden with "Bats in Your Backyard," the ultimate guide to transforming your outdoor space into a thriving habitat for bats. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a curious nature enthusiast, this comprehensive eBook will open your eyes to the fascinating world of bat gardening while helping you create a sanctuary for these essential creatures. Dive into the fundamentals of bat gardening with in-depth chapters that take you on a journey from understanding the importance of bats to mastering advanced bat gardening techniques. Learn about the various types of bat houses, their ideal dimensions, and how to choose between DIY projects and pre-made options. Discover the secrets to optimal placement, ensuring your bat houses attract residents year after year. Create a bat-friendly landscape by selecting native plants that entice bats, designing a garden that thrives at night, and avoiding harmful chemicals. Enhance your garden with water sources specifically designed for bats, and maintain a healthy habitat that supports their foraging needs. Explore additional shelter options including tree cavities, leaf litter, and artificial roosting sites. Become a bat detective with practical advice on identifying species, using bat detectors, and recording valuable data. Stay informed about health and safety precautions, ensuring safe interactions for you, your pets, and your family. Get involved in bat conservation efforts through citizen science, advocacy, and joining local organizations. Overcome common challenges with tips on deterring predators, managing vacancies, and addressing neighbor concerns. Adapt your bat garden to seasonal changes, and engage your community through educational events and bat-watching activities. With "Bats in Your Backyard," you'll not only enrich your garden but also contribute to the conservation of these incredible creatures. Begin your bat gardening adventure today and discover the joy of sharing your space with nature’s night-time guardians!
Explore the benefits of the biodiversity and the beauty of songbirds, bats, and owls with this handy guide. You'll learn about "win-win" ideas and methods for integrating nest boxes with vineyard management, biology and habitat requirements, details on construction and maintenance, literature sources, and online resources where you can get more information. While written with grape growers and vineyard managers in mind, anyone interested in learning about nest boxes will find this guide useful. Includes patterns for building your own boxes and advice on where to place your boxes for best results.
