Conservation: What you can do
By making smart choices every day, you can help save the world’s wild animals and wild places. No effort is too small!
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“No one made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.”
Edmund Burke
Here are some easy ideas for you and your family to start helping our planet.
Beginner
- "Round up" your purchase at the Wild Things Gift Shop. These funds go directly to our Conservation Partners.
- Spend time outdoors. Get to know the plants and animals in your own neighborhood.
- Turn off lights when not needed
- Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or doing dishes
- Pack your lunch in a reusable container
- Use both sides of a piece of paper when printing
- Reuse bags
- Turn your water heater to 120 degrees F
- Take short showers
Amateur
- Don’t pollute storm drains with liquids or litter
- Obey speed limits to increase gas mileage
- Recycle or refill ink cartridges
- Turn off the TV when not in use
- Recycle at home
- Take reusable bags to the store
- Fix leaky faucets
- Use rechargeable batteries
- Choose a reusable water bottle
- Buy in bulk to reduce packaging
- Recycle your cell phone at the zoo to benefit wildlife
Pro
- Start and maintain a compost pile
- Build a Monarch Waystation to help migrating butterflies
- Weed by hand instead of using pesticides
- Don’t buy disposable products
- Choose not to water your lawn
- Install a rain barrel; use the rainwater in your garden
- Walk, ride your bike, or use public transportation
- Grow your own fruits and vegetables
- Buy energy-efficient appliances
- Purchase a fuel-efficient vehicle
Create
a Wildlife-Friendly Yard
No matter how large or small your yard is, you can create a space
where wildlife can find food, water, and shelter:
- Plant native plants and trees, these will provide the vegetation (berries, seeds, nuts, flowers, etc.) that many species of wildlife require to survive. Place additional feeders and food sources throughout your garden.
- Animals need clean water for drinking and bathing. If your land includes a natural pond, lake, creek, or wetland, keep these water sources clean for the wildlife. Or simply add a birdbath or small pond yourself.
- Animals need shelter to raise young and to protect themselves from predators and weather. Create undisturbed areas of vegetation, shrubs, or brush piles for the wildlife to use as nests and burrows.
- Keep your garden healthy through green practices such as composting, mulching, and reducing your use of chemical fertilizers.