Our world is becoming increasingly urbanized and as we pave our way across the land, native ecosystems are affected. Habitat loss is the number one cause of wildlife population declines, and over the years, commercial and residential development have pushed a number of Georgia’s species to the brink of extinction. But, there are a few things you can do around the house to make a difference by making your yard more wildlife friendly: providing food, water and shelter for birds, and planting native plants helps attract more wildlife to your backyard.
First, we take the The Audubon Society wildlife sanctuary tour. The Atlanta Audubon Society is one of the most active organizations in Georgia helping to encourage people to create wildlife sanctuaries right in their backyards. In fact, in Atlanta residents can have their yards certified as a wildlife habitat.
Another place that’s making a difference is a unique housing development on coastal Georgia. It is a place that rises above and beyond the “typical” golf community. It is home to lush coastal woodlands, a variety of wildlife, an Audubon Certified Golf Course and an environmentally active community.
Bird watching and gardening are great ways to experience the joys of nature right in your own backyard during the day, but the enjoyment doesn’t have to stop just because the sun sets. Backyard campouts are another way to experience outdoor adventure in your very own yard. Each June, the National Wildlife Federation sponsors the Great American Backyard Campout, a nation-wide event designed to make kids aware of the wilderness right outside their door. We joined Sustaining Urban Villages at the Outdoor Activity Center as they hosted their own backyard campout.
Web Resources
Atlanta Audobon Society
Since 1972, Atlanta Audubon Society has been the region’s primary education and conservation organization dedicated to birds. Their mission is to promote the enjoyment and understanding of birds and to conserve and restore the ecosystems that support them. The Atlanta Audubon Society hosts many activities—monthly meetings with featured speakers, weekly bird walks during migration, field trips to local birding hotspots, and other special events.
Georgia Native Plant Society
The Georgia Native Plant Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing the native plants of Georgia. They host many activities to promote the appreciation and conservation of Georgia's plants and their habitats. Some activities include plant rescues, annual native plant sale, field trips and garden tours.
Great American Backyard Campout
Join thousands of neighbors, friends, and families across the country for National Wildlife’s Annual Great American Backyard Campout.
Human development has crowded out much of our native wildlife habitat, but the good news is that you can make a difference without leaving the house. On this episode we’ll show you how to make your yard more wildlife friendly. 
Always a crowd pleaser, this show will highlight the many ways you can turn your backyard into a welcome habitat for wildlife. Locations include Calloway Gardens Victory Garden South, a blue bird trail and a nursery where special guest host Robin Russel joins Michael Skinner and they explore water gardens and native plants.
Always a crowd pleaser, this show will highlight the many ways you can turn your backyard into a welcome habitat for wildlife. Locations include Calloway Gardens Victory Garden South, a blue bird trail and a nursery where special guest host Robin Russel joins Michael Skinner and they explore water gardens and native plants.
Almost nothing inspires the outdoor lover in us more than the butterfly – some of the most beautiful and delicate creatures in natural world.
Almost nothing inspires the outdoor lover in us more than the butterfly – some of the most beautiful and delicate creatures in natural world.
PDF Transcript
Not all of the plants and animals we see in Georgia are native. From fire ants to wild horses to invasive plants like privet and kudzu, exotic species can be found throughout our state, and some can cause serious problems for our native wildlife.
Not all of the plants and animals we see in Georgia are native. From fire ants to wild horses to invasive plants like privet and kudzu, exotic species can be found throughout our state, and some can cause serious problems for our native wildlife.