Bird Center of Michigan: Supporting Birds and Pollinators through Ecological Landscape Design, Realized Missions, and Future Growth

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation is one of the main drivers in the decline of songbird species worldwide. With human population increases and the coupled increased need for housing and development, what was once natural habitat is being replaced with urbanity. When these habitat patches become fragmented, it isolates resources and creates more competition between species that can lead to inbreeding and general population decline. One way of addressing this fragmentation is through the deliberate design and planning of backyard gardens to help fi ll in the gaps of fragmented habitat. These smaller patches act as a stepping stone to larger habitat patches, which expands the overall habitat matrix. The overall aim of this project was to support these initiatives by developing and implementing educational gardens at the Bird Center of Michigan, providing habitat and resources to songbird populations. The Bird Center of Michigan is a small non-pro fi t organization in Saline, Michigan that specializes in songbird rehabilitation. Their mission is to aid birds, wildlife, and the environment through rehabilitation and public education. In 2021, they acquired a new property to call home that sits on two and a half acres. The property sits in a rural matrix of agricultural fi elds and low density housing. The surrounding habitat patches are highly fragmented. The goal of this project was to support the mission of the Bird Center by creating a multifunctional landscape that supports birds and pollinators while also enhancing public outreach surrounding the importance of native gardens to bird populations as a demonstration of what could be done on residential properties. To achieve this goal, we designed a three step approach: 1), assess the current condition of the Bird Center property and the surrounding ecological context; 2), design and install native gardens as well as educational signage to support public outreach; 3) , create a management plan to ensure the longevity of the resources the gardens provide to birds and pollinators. A high priority for the Bird Center was having a low maintenance garden. Because of this, we chose to use a matrix-style planting for the garden installations. A matrix style replicates the natural environment by combining carefully selected species together to create a self-sustaining community that protects itself from invasive weeds. Species were chosen to have seasonal interest year-round and to provide resting locations, protection, and food resources for songbirds. All plants were sourced from local/regional nurseries to ensure quality and nativity. Small 5”x7” signs were designed and ordered to place in the front yard garden to showcase key species in the garden. A larger 20”x30” sign was designed for the garden entry but was not able to be printed due to material shortages and cost. These signs combined will increase public education on the importance of native plants to songbird populations and directly relate to the mission of the Bird Center. A separate maintenance document will be provided directly to the client. This will be a resource that can be handed over to a Bird Center volunteer and easily interpreted to maintain the garden for years to come. Overall, this project was a great success. Discussions with stakeholders indicated that they love the life and vibrancy the gardens bring to the property. They are excited for future expansion and are grateful for all of the work put into the design and implementation of the gardens and educational signs. This project has the potential to be continued by future master’s students at the University of Michigan. We, being only two people, have only scratched the surface of the 2.5-acre property. While we have created a master plan, there are still areas for improvement and further implementation. We have also started preliminary data collection with bird counts and a satisfaction survey of the front yard garden. That data can easily be expanded and used for future research endeavors. We hope that the Bird Center is able to expand and further its mission at its new home, and that this project was able to support them in that journey