Restored meadow habitat at Panola Mountain State Park. Photo by Sebastian Hagan.
Q&A: Birds Georgia habitat Restoration
Birds Georgia's habitat restoration projects focus on removing exotic and invasive vegetation, managing ecosystems, and planting native bird-friendly plant species. Our goal is to help create and maintain a functioning native ecosystem that benefits all organisms, including birds, wildlife, and people. Our projects range from nest box placement, invasive plant removal, native plant installation, and bird banding to nest monitoring, and educational displays. Below you'll find some commonly asked questions about our habitat restoration work. To learn more about specific restoration sites, visit our Habitat Restoration page.
What is Happening Here?
Birds Georgia’s Habitat Restoration Team works across the state to restore native habitats for birds and other wildlife. We are currently working on 12 sites, ranging from Jekyll Island to the Cochran Shoals Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. We work with various partners, including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service, the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy, the Trust for Public Land, the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance, the Georgia Native Plant Society, and many more.
Why is Birds Georgia removing plants?
Bird Georgia’s Habitat Team only removes invasive plant species that are not beneficial to the ecosystem. These plants are typically considered non-native invasive species, such as Chinese privet, kudzu, English Ivy, and Autumn olive. In some cases, it is beneficial to remove native species that are becoming invasive, primarily Sweetgum trees that will take over meadows. These invasive species grow aggressively and outcompete our native vegetation, resulting in a degraded habitat for our birds and wildlife.
Why are you removing the grass?
Invasive turf grasses, often found in lawns and disturbed areas, are problematic for natural habitats. These non-native grasses spread rapidly, outcompeting and displacing native plants, reducing biodiversity and disrupting the ecosystem. Additionally, they offer little to no value for wildlife, as they provide poor food and shelter compared to native plants. To restore these areas, invasive turf grasses must first be removed. This can be done through various methods, including manual removal, smothering, or herbicide application. While it can be a labor-intensive process, removing invasive turf grasses is essential for promoting the growth of native plants and creating a healthier, more diverse, and wildlife-supporting habitat.
What is an Invasive Species?
Invasive plant species are non-native plants that spread rapidly and aggressively, outcompeting native plants for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. These invasive plants often lack natural predators or diseases in their new environment, allowing them to thrive and disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem. This can lead to a decline in native plant diversity, which in turn negatively impacts the birds and other animals that depend on them for food and shelter.
Why are Invasive species a problem?
Invasive plants harm bird populations by outcompeting native plants that birds rely on for suitable nesting sites, food sources, and shelter. These invasive species often form dense thickets, reducing the availability of diverse vegetation that birds need. The lack of suitable food, particularly protein-rich insects needed for chicks, can lead to decreased reproduction and survival rates. This disruption extends beyond birds, impacting other animals who also depend on native plants for food and habitat.
Why are trees being cut down?
The Habitat Team selectively removes invasive tree species to restore the ecological balance of the project site. These non-native trees often outcompete native plants for essential resources, hindering their growth and disrupting the natural ecosystem. In some instances, removing invasive trees allows native trees to flourish, while in others, it's done to restore vital native grasslands. These grasslands are crucial habitats for a wide array of wildlife, providing food, shelter, and nesting sites while also playing a key role in maintaining soil health and preventing erosion.
What happens after a tree is cut down
Once a tree is cut down, it's either left to naturally decompose and enrich the soil or it's transformed into brush piles that provide valuable habitat for birds and wildlife. This decision depends on the tree's location: If it's blocking a trail, road, right-of-way, or another invasive species, it's cut up and strategically piled out of the way. Otherwise, it's usually left in place to benefit the ecosystem.
How do you remove INvasive Species?
Birds Georgia’s Habitat Team employs several methods to remove invasive plants, such as hand-pulling, using hand tools, chainsaws, and herbicides. Each member of the Habitat Team is a licensed Pesticide Applicator through the Georgia Department of Agriculture and adheres to all required safety protocols to ensure the safety of the public and the environment.
What Happens after the invasive plants are removed?
After removing the invasive plants, the Habitat Team and volunteers reintroduce native plants that would naturally thrive in the area. These well-adapted species require minimal upkeep compared to their invasive counterparts. The plants are introduced in various forms, ranging from seeds and small plugs to larger pots, each carefully placed in an ideal location within the project site based on the specific species' needs. The Habitat Team takes great care to ensure that each plant is native not only to Georgia but also to the specific region within the state, as a plant native to the coastal plain may not flourish in the Piedmont. This careful consideration of each plant's natural habitat is crucial to the success of the restoration project.
WHere is Birds Georgia conducting Habitat Restoration?
Visit our habitat restoration page to learn more about our current and historic habitat restoration efforts.
How can I get involved?
Birds Georgia hosts volunteer workdays across Georgia at our active habitat restoration sites. Most workdays take place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We are always in need of additional volunteers. Learn more or sign up for an upcoming volunteer workday on our volunteer page.