David Mizejewski’s Archive

A long-horned bee (Melissodes spp.) feeds at a cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia lanciniata) cultivar in a garden in Nebraska.

Creating a Bee Garden

Bees are incredibly important wildlife. Yes, insects are wildlife–and they’re a group of wildlife that we all have an opportunity to help right in our own yards and gardens. Especially … Read more

QUIZ: What’s Your Wildlife Personality?

We all have a wild side. What’s yours? Read more

youtube video

Update on Mysterious Bird Deaths

This summer, sick and dying birds were documented in several states in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and South. The main symptom was swollen, crusted-over eyes in fledglings of blue jays, robins, … Read more

Bumble bee pollinating bee balm. Pollinators like these are in decline.

10 Ways to Save Pollinators

Pollinators are in trouble. These important wildlife move from plant to plant while searching for protein-rich pollen or high-energy nectar to eat. As they go, they are dusted by pollen … Read more

Ruby throated hummingbird

Expert Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds and Orioles

We asked the folks at Wild Birds Unlimited, the National Wildlife Federation’s “Certified Wildlife Habitat Champion” partner helping to promote our Garden for Wildlife movement, for their best tips on … Read more

Naturalist David Mizejewski

Learn About (Not So) Scary Backyard Wildlife

As the National Wildlife Federation’s naturalist, I’m very excited to be teaching a free online class with our partner Varsity Tutors all about “scary” wildlife species that you might encounter … Read more

5 Ways You Can Help Eastern Monarchs

The once-common monarch butterfly has suffered steep population declines across North America in the last few decades. Both the eastern and western populations of these migratory butterflies are in real … Read more

5 Ways You Can Help Western Monarchs

The once-common monarch butterfly has suffered steep population declines across North America in the last few decades. Both the eastern and western populations of these migratory butterflies are in real … Read more

cedar waxwings

Five Ways to Attract Birds This Fall

Attracting and watching wild birds right in your own yard or garden are great activities year-round, but as migratory birds pass through on their way south and winter-resident species work … Read more

Mosquito on Flower

What Purpose do Mosquitoes Serve?

It’s often said that mosquitoes serve no purpose other than to annoy humans. This is easy to believe as you are swatting away these bothersome insects while trying to enjoy … Read more