Barn Talk: Using Native Plants to Enrich Habitat and Support Migrating Birds

Presented by: Ian Stewart, PhD
September 20 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Many of our songbirds are in decline, for a variety of reasons. The main reason is loss of habitat, but a secondary reason may be the degradation of the remaining habitat by non-native, invasive plants. These are less valuable to birds because they do not support many of the insects they feed upon, especially during periods of high energy use like migration. Learn how you can help both migrating and resident birds by using a diversity of native plants to create a garden that is both beautiful and filled with food. This presentation coincides with the peak of southward migration and will be followed with a relaxing walk around the idyllic garden in search of birds.

Ian Stewart, PhD, was raised in Newcastle, England, and received a doctorate in biology from the University of Leicester. He has conducted research on tree swallows and bluebirds and studied how local land management activities are affecting bird numbers and diversity throughout the year. Ian is the Staff Ornithologist at the Delaware Nature Society and is currently researching how alien plant removal impacts nesting birds. Ian conducts public bird banding sessions and gives presentations to audiences of all ages about aspects of bird biology.

HHG Members $30
Non-members $40 (includes admission to the garden)

Hollister House Garden
300 Nettleton Hollow Road
Washington, CT 06759

Using Native Plants to Enrich Habitat and Support Migrating Birds