The Go To Agencies for Wildlife

Fawn

One of the frustrations of wildlife conservation is determining who's in charge. At the state level, state agencies are responsible for managing most wildlife and fish populations. They set seasons and bag limits for species that are hunted and fished (e.g., deer, cottontails, trout, bass, bullfrogs). They're also responsible for the welfare of nongame species. In Pennsylvania, for example, the Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission manage wildlife and fish. Furthermore, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources … [Read more...]

Feeding Birds in the Spring and Summer

629_-3

We were recently asked if it was acceptable to feed birds in the Spring and Summer when so much natural food is available.  The folks at the Cornell Lab for Ornithology had this to say....... Yes, it is. Some people prefer not to feed birds when natural food is abundant. However, during spring and fall migration (which begins in late July!), bird feeders can be very welcome sources of food for exhausted migrants. During exceptionally cold, rainy spells, bird feeders can even save some songbirds' lives. In the summer, there is usually … [Read more...]

Plants for Wetlands

P1090484

Many landowners have areas on their property that are considered wetlands or could be made into a wetland.  However, most are not familiar with the type of trees and shrubs which thrive in that type of environment. For a complete guide to creating a wetland on your property, listen to the audio podcast of this topic which is available for premium members.  Not a premium member, join now. Native Trees Tolerant of Wet Soils Red and Silver Maple River Birch Catalpa Ash Cottonwood Swamp White Oak Sycamore Native Shrubs Tolerant … [Read more...]

Government Conservation Programs

Picture 4

There are many government programs available to land owners thanks to the 2008 Farm Bill.  While some are more commonly known than others, all have the potential to assist land owners with a variety of issues.  In addition to CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) which seems to be the most commonly known program, there are five programs offering financial assistance and four which are easement programs.  As with all government programs, there are stipulations as to what type of land is eligible, the length of the agreement, and the responsibilities … [Read more...]

America’s Great Outdoors Initiative

IMG_3574

Greenwood Project participates in America’s Great Outdoors Initiative On Monday, June 28th, 2010, Greenwood Project Founder and CEO, Don Webb, participated in a roundtable discussion with members of several government agencies, conservation organizations, and representatives from private industry.  The purpose of the meeting was to provide feedback directly to President Obama for The White House Initiative on America’s Great Outdoors. The President established the America’s Great Outdoors initiative to promote and support innovative … [Read more...]

Conservation Tips Made Easy

Conserve household water

We constantly receive tips on how to conserve and be better stewards of the great outdoors we have inherited.  If you are like me, sometimes when you read these tips, you see the first one, and say, "it's impossible for me to do that" and don't bother to read the rest that may be attainable.  I think the first one that comes to mind is the advice to carpool or take public transportation.  Great suggestion if you live in a city but for those living in rural America not only is public transportation out, for the most part carpooling is as well.  … [Read more...]

New England Forest Conservation

Jones-Baldwin 239 016

If you live in the New England area, this article should be of particular interest to you, but even if you don't, the article brings to mind what we should all be thinking about in our own backyard. Click here to read article … [Read more...]

Wyoming Conservation Corps

doc4bf4b2229af94590633977

How do you blend industry with conservation? The Wyoming Conservation Corps summer project is a great example of not only blending industry and conservation, but blending investment, conservation, and the enjoyment of the great outdoors.....Learn what they are doing and why more states should be following their lead. Click here to read the article … [Read more...]

USDA Seeks Conservation Acres for New Farmers

P1050644

Land owners who are willing to sell or lease conservation acres to new farmers could receive federal money because of a new program offered by the Department of Agriculture. Click here to learn more and read article … [Read more...]

Give the Wildlife a Place to Live

monarch1

For every person who loves seeing wildlife on their property, there is another who tries everything to keep critters out.  I know many who spends thousands on landscaping only to see their money chewed up over night.  I agree, that wouldn't make me happy.   More and more, we are hearing about wildlife in the most unlikely of places, but for most of us, we aren't really surprised to find the deer have eaten our daisies.  That being the case, instead of fighting it, why not create a backyard habitat for the creatures who have either been displaced … [Read more...]