[Native Birds in the City]

[Going Native: A Real Environmental Improvement]

[MTVCID]
The final step in this environmental improvement plan is bringing birds to the
neighboorhood. The native birds along with honeybees are decimated populations
within the Washington DC-metro area as a result of the urban environment. The
National Audubon Society has reported a quarter of all bird species have declined since
the 1970s. Resulting from a major loss of habitat from the growth of cities and industrial
centers caused by economic development, depleted food sources, and overall from
pollution. Instead of the Triangle being part of the problem, we would rather be part of
the solution, maintaining our innovative approach of bringing together businesses,
residents, and the externalities of urbanity together.

Thus with the planting of native plants as well as the introduction of honeybees to the
area, we are increasingly creating a healthy environment for native birds to flourish. The
main difficulties in getting birds to migrate to the city centers are the presence of large
glass windows reflecting the trees, pollution, lack of food, and lack of natural
connections. Meaning the birds need a habitat with trees and bushes in order to
naturally migrate from one green area to the next. Clearly, most metropolitan cities do
not have tree-lined streets as well as extra vegetation as compared to rural areas. Birds
in their regular migratory patterns fly towards green patches as a stop over or to
eventually nest. Therefore if the MTVCID works towards our goals we will create a
favorable environment for native bird species.

Surprisingly, the actual layout of the Triangle is conducive to well tree-lined streets with
green patches throughout. A proposed linear and multi-use park both on K Street would
provide the birds with the necessary food, shelter, and water. A recent donation from
Casey trees of 48 trees in conjunction with a grant from the Department of Local and
Small Business Development for the upkeep of the 260 tree boxes in the Triangle will
further maintain our biodiversity. These trees along with the native plants are also
drought-resistant requiring less water.

It is important to involve the neighborhood in order to promote a cooperative effort

hence we are supplying information on native plants that can provide a habitat even on
a balcony of an apartment. We are also working with Art Enables to create and sell
specially designed birdhouses benefiting our residents as well as their great cause.

The particular species we look to attract are Mockingbirds, Cardinals, House Finches,
Grackles, Bow Finches, Robins, Song Sparrows, Grey Cats, House Wrens, Tit Mice,
Chickadees, Carolina Wrens, Chimney swifts, and Purple Martins.