I am wandering from the food topic this week. My friend Dana, who is a life-long birder and eco-travel entrepreneur, tells me that I am a birding conservationist. I am a newbie steward to bluebirds. You can see my bluebird house, complete with its shade sombrero above.

This relates to two interesting articles in the Jul-Aug issue of Utne Reader about the role of conservationists in the face of global warming. Traditionally scientists, environmentalists and others have maintained a strict hands-off approach to preservation of the natural environment. Will that stance need to change as species fall victim to the effects of global warming? Will they have to become zookeepers and gardeners of a different type? The article is excerpted from High Country News.

In a another article, Amy Steward of OnEarth talks about her experience of starting a wildlife habitat in her backyard, which she eventually registered with National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat. It isn’t very hard to do.

Here is my point. You can start right now being a nature conservationist in your own backyard for the plant life, birds, bees, foxes, and all the other critters we share suburban life with. Plus, it is very good for the soul!

A great resource website for eating locally is LocalHarvest. In this week’s newsletter, they eloquently discuss why American food consumers need to think and act differently. In a word, change the way we eat and live to be more sustainable. With rising gasoline prices, the motivation should be high and the connection to cost of living obvious. I encourage to read it and use their very helpful website.

Enjoy,

Erin