10 Tips for Enhancing Wildlife, Habitats
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has long served as the nation's premier government agency working to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife species and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. But the agency cannot go it alone. Toward that end, the service is asking that everyone take action to benefit fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats.
1. Visit a National Wildlife Refuge. With 550 refuges throughout the nation, The National Wildlife Refuge System is the world's leading network of lands and waters dedicated to wildlife conservation. To find nature near you, visit www.fws.gov/refuges.
2. Buy a Duck Stamp. When you buy a federal Duck Stamp, you are doing your part to help ensure a bright future for wildlife, waterfowl and other migratory birds. For every dollar you spend on federal Duck Stamps, 98 cents goes directly to purchase vital habitat for conservation purposes. Visit www.fws.gov/duckstamps for more information on the Duck Stamp.
3. Go hunting. By respecting seasons and limits, purchasing all required licenses, and paying federal excise taxes on hunting equipment and ammunition, individual hunters make a big contribution toward ensuring the future for many species of wildlife and habitat.
4. Plan a fishing trip. Fishing generates tremendous economic benefit to local communities. Revenues generated by anglers are distributed by the Service and spent by state resource agencies on aquatic habitat enhancement, fishing and boating access, education, and invasive species eradication. Go to www.takingmefishing.org to find a fishing hole near you.
5. Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers. If you enjoy aquatic recreation, you're not alone. Millions annually participate in boating, fishing, jet skiing, or sailing and travel extensively in pursuit of new opportunities. Unfortunately, these activities have been linked to the spread of invasive aquatic species. Be part of the solution in preventing the spread of these harmful aquatic species. Go to www.ProtectYourWaters.net to learn more and sign up to become a partner.
6. Plant a tree, which actually helps wildlife. Create habitat for forest and other tree-dwelling critters by planting a tree. Learn more from the Arbor Day Foundation on how to plant one in your community.
7. Get SMARxT. Stop flushing your unused medications. Instead, use SMARxT Disposal as a guide for proper disposal. SMARxT Disposal is a prescription for a healthy planet.
8. Take your family to a National Fish Hatchery. This is a great way to get children outside and help them develop positive attitudes and behaviors toward the environment. Children's positive interaction with the environment can lead to a life-long interest in enjoying and conserving nature. Visit www.fws.gov/fisheries/nfhs/map.htm to choose from 70 national fish hatcheries throughout the country. For more ideas on how to get your children outside, visit www.fws.gov/letsgooutside.
9. Got land? -- Plant native. Private landowners, large and small, play a vital role in conserving natural habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants. With over two-thirds of the nation's threatened and endangered species using habitat found on private land, it's good to plant native. Use Plant native as a tool to find native plants regionally and locate participating nurseries by state. For more information on how to benefit fish, wildlife, and plant species on your land, visit www.fws.gov/partners.
10. Consider a career in conservation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife employees are dedicated professionals working to conserve, recover, and prevent the extinction of unique and imperiled species both locally and abroad. Interested? Visit www.fws.gov/jobs for more information.