Habitat

A habitat is a unique combination of plants, animals, birds, insects, water, soil type, fungi, reptiles, and climate.  The inhabitants are interdependent on the conditions in that habitat.  If some of the conditions change, it affects the ability of the inhabitants to thrive.  An invasive species may crowd out a native species.  Less rainfall may reduce the number or type of plants available for animals to eat.  Fewer insects may result in fewer birds who eat insects and fewer plants because they rely on the insects for pollination.  Many species in the world are threatened by loss of the habitat they need to survive.  It’s much easier to protect habitat than to restore it after it’s damaged, and there are people are doing both.  At the bottom of the article, I wrote some additional description on habitat protection and restoration. 
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For most of us, the habitat and ecosystems we have control over are very small and have already been modified from their original states.  We may have a small lot surrounding our house or an apartment with a balcony or the ability to install a windowbox planter.   So what can we as individuals do on a small scale?

• Pick up litter in your neighborhood. 
• Do some research before you plant.  Some invasive weed species are garden plants that spread widely after they were planted as decorative flowers.  Plants that are native to your area are most useful to the local critters.
• I allow the barn swallows to build their nest right over my front door each year.  Yes, they’re messy but the birds are beautiful and the babies are adorable.  And barn swallow populations have declined nearly 50% since 1966 so it helps the species if I provide a safe nesting area.
• Don’t reach for the toxic chemicals as your first choice for controlling pests. Sometimes, there are other choices.  For instance, ladybugs eat aphids.  Do a little research to see if there is a less toxic way to control pests. 
• Remember that ecosystems have interrelated inhabitants.  Birds eat insects, worms, and seeds from native plants.  If you want more native birds in your area, find out what kind of habitat and food they need and see if you can provide it.  Each bird species needs something different.  We planted some native juniper trees in our back yard because the birds use them for shelter.   If you choose to put up a bird feeder, remember that the birds can become dependent on that food so you will need to be consistent in refilling the feeder. 
• Window boxes and potted plants on a porch or balcony can provide flowers for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. 
• One excellent way to protect existing habitat anywhere you go is to leave it in the same condition as you found it unless a qualified professional is directing the change. 

Protecting habitat means maintaining the conditions that allow the ecosystem to thrive.  That means different things for each ecosystem.  Some forests and prairies in the western US evolved with periodic wildfires and are healthier if land managers implement periodic small-scale controlled burns.  Other forest ecosystems in the western US would require centuries after a wildfire for the ecosystem to return to their current condition.  Native western US prairie grasses have root systems that allow them to thrive in reduced rainfall conditions, and these same root systems protect the land from erosion and help maintain healthy soil.  A non-native grass or other plant may grow in the same area, but not provide the same nutrition and benefits to the native animals, birds, or insects.  If you want to help with large-scale land management and habitat restoration, join a local organization that has a long-term plan for that land based on research, environmental regulations, and land management science.  These organizations usually welcome volunteers.