Forest Files July 2012
IN THIS ISSUE
STANDING TALL: New Kid on the Block
Protecting Wildlife
Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Today, 556 wildlife refuges are protecting our feathered, furry, slimy and scaly friends and preserving their habitats across the U.S. Over the years, we’ve teamed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System to plant trees to protect and restore wildlife habitat. But, the system is underfunded and needs new ways to save the animals.
Find out how large-scale changes could help threatened wildlife.
Threats to Wildlife
Credit: Seabamirum/Flickr
In recent years, climate change has had a major impact on a variety of bird species in Canada, causing drastic population declines. Warming temperatures have caused many of the bird’s migratory patterns to shift drastically and are causing insect populations to peak earlier in the year, leaving newly hatched birds with no food.
See what species are in trouble and other factors
that are silencing Canada’s birds.
Recreation and Wildlife
Credit: Ron Wu
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge along the eastern shore of Maryland is home to an abundance of wildlife — and offers lots of recreation for human visitors. You can immerse yourself in three kayak paddling trails, ride your bicycle through the scenic refuge, take a hike along one of the trails or enjoy the day taking photos and bird watching.
Capturing Wildlife
Credit: John Hyde
From close encounters with killer whales to bears, nature photographer John Hyde has learned the importance of respect when working with nature and wildlife. For years, he created an understanding with a roaming wolf that went far past finding that perfect shot. He says, “The message is that we are all in this together; in the end, we are one and the same.”
Discover what makes this photographer click.
STANDING TALL: New Kid on the Block
Credit: Kelly Washburn
Due to wildfires in New Mexico over the last year, many of the state’s champions have been threatened. The new state coordinator is working hard to track and record the trees damaged by fire, while enjoying the wonder of big trees.
“Anytime I’m outside, I’m looking at trees and for big trees! In fact, sometimes it’s a curse. It’s something that as a forester, particularly an urban forester, you simply cannot turn off.”
~Kelly Washburn, New Mexico big tree state coordinator
Uncover more about Washburn’s “big” plans for New Mexico’s trees.