Operation Pollination
Please read to the end …
As we all know by now (right?) April is Native Plant Month.
But there are two more environmental recognitions also taking place this month: Thursday, April 14, was World Migratory Bird Day and Friday April 22 we will celebrate Earth Day.
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) celebrates and brings attention to one of the most important and spectacular events in the Americas, where the event has its origins, and around the globe -bird migration.
WMBD celebrates the phenomenon of bird migration and raises awareness to the challenges birds face during their journeys. It is officially celebrated on the 2nd Saturday of May in the US and Canada and on the 2nd Saturday in October in Latin America and the Caribbean. Because birds do not migrate on only one day, however, events and programs are hosted year-round. Learn more: https://www.migratorybirdday.org/history/
WMBD 2022 is focusing on the impact of light pollution on migratory birds.
Most birds – ducks, geese, plovers, sandpipers, and most songbirds - migrate at night when the skies are calmer and there were fewer predators.
However, artificial light is increasing every year, presenting a problem for birds. It distracts and disorients them. It can cause them to land in dangerous areas where they are more vulnerable to collisions - disrupting feeding and exposing them to predators.
However, artificial light is increasing every year, presenting a problem for birds. It distracts and disorients them. It can cause them to land in dangerous areas where they are more vulnerable to collisions - disrupting feeding and exposing them to predators.
Throughout the year we try to spread the word to individuals, communities, and governments to initiate ordinances that encourage “dim the lights for birds at night”
In our area of the country, the most critical times of the year to remember this are March through May and August through November.
In our area of the country, the most critical times of the year to remember this are March through May and August through November.
Earth Day is the largest grassroots environmental movement in history. Ohio had a “claim to fame” in popularizing the movement when in 1969, the Cuyahoga River caught fire. This had happened previously - at least 12 - times creating quite a reputation for the Cuyahoga.
In the decade since the first Earth Day in 1970, there were nine major acts passed to protect our earth including the Endangered Species Act (1973), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (1975), and the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (1978).
Earth Day 2012, was the official kick-off date for Operation Pollination Mahoning Valley. Since then, two Rotary Clubs, one city Mayor, and one Library system, and five individuals have officially signed the Operation Pollination Resolution and Pledge. If you read your Clatter, you have now read 40 Operation Pollination submissions.
To date, Operation Pollination is comprised of 17 community and Rotary Club partners represented by 47 individuals who regularly support the project through their work, volunteerism, by sharing information are resources, and advocacy.
Our community partners and Rotary clubs have created and added at least 15 pollinator sites to the https://homegrownnationalpark.org/ website.
Happy first year anniversary and thank you to everyone who shares our compassion for the natural world and a better environmental future for generations to come.