Recent headlines have highlighted serious declines in bird and insect populations, including insects that pollinate our food
and insects that are primary food sources for many birds.  However, as our presenters on Jan. 3 will show, we are not
doomed to stand by, helplessly, and watch these worrisome trends continue.  We can take actions to turn them around.  

Our first speaker will be Professor Doug Tallamy, an entomologist and author of the NY Times best-seller, Nature's Best
Hope, a New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard (2019).  Speaking in a recorded video, Tallamy will describe
specific steps we can take to create habitats in our yards where birds, insects and other wildlife thrive.  Chief among these
steps is planting native plants, particularly native "keystone plants" because the latter support 90% of the caterpillar species,
mostly moths, that enable our terrestrial birds to reproduce.  

Following Tallamy's presentation will be moth enthusiast, David Droppers, who will explain why moths are key, not those
pretty butterflies!  He will address important questions such as 1) what are the keystone plants in Washington; 2) what are
the challenges to selecting plants in the Pacific Northwest; and 3) how should we go about choosing plants.  David will guide
us through these plant choices while also sharing the natural history of moths.

Our third presenter will be WOS member Neil Zimmerman who will show photos of the beautiful, wildlife-friendly garden that
he and his wife Carleen have created.  He will also share the principles that have guided them in creating and maintaining
their garden.

What:  Planting with a Purpose:  To Bring Birds Back!
When:  Monday, January 3, 7:30 pm
Where: Via GoToMeeting (Sign-in begins at 7:15 pm)

WOS Monthly Meetings remain open to all as we continue to welcome the wider birding community to join us online via
GoToMeeting.

For login information, go to http://wos.org/about-wos/monthly-meetings/.  While there, if you are not yet a member of
WOS, I hope you will consider becoming one.

Please join us!

Vicki King
WOS Program Coordinator