Updated December 2021 The monarch butterfly population in North America has plummeted in just the last few decades. Destruction of America’s grasslands ecosystems, commercial agricultural practices and even conventional gardening have … Read more
David Mizejewski
David Mizejewski is a naturalist, author, blogger, and national media personality with the National Wildlife Federation. He interprets the natural world and teaches Americans about wildlife, how to help it, and how to connect with nature. David has hosted television shows on NatGeo WILD and Animal Planet, and frequently appears on the Today Show, Conan, CNN, NPR and many other media outlets. He is author of the award-winning book "Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife."
Six Ways to Save Monarchs
Monarch butterflies are in trouble. Over the last few decades, populations of these iconic orange and black butterflies have declined by over 90 percent. The National Wildlife Federation is teaming … Read more
Frogs That Freeze Solid
Different animals use different strategies to survive winter. Some species migrate south, others grow thick coats, and some fatten up or stash food reserves. Many species hibernate or go dormant to … Read more
Seven Red Birds for the Holidays
Red is a color associated with Christmas, Yule and the winter holiday season in general. Here in North America, we don’t have too many wildlife species that are red. There … Read more
What to do With Fallen Leaves
Updated October 2022 You shouldn’t feel obligated to get rid of every last fallen leaf in your yard this fall. Leave the leaves — they offer a lot of benefits … Read more
How to Recycle Halloween Pumpkins for Wildlife
Updated October 2021 One of the best parts of Halloween is decorating with pumpkins. After the trick-or-treaters clear away and Halloween is officially over, don’t toss your pumpkins in the … Read more
Nuts for Wildlife
When we think of autumn, the first image that comes to mind is colorful leaves falling from the trees. Leaves, however, aren’t the only thing falling in the fall. This is … Read more
The Goldenrod Allergy Myth
Goldenrod blooms are an autumn delight — both for human admirers and wildlife visitors. Their sunny yellow flowers add beauty and interest to the late summer and early fall landscape … Read more
8 Tips to Protect Baby Turtles in Your Yard
Last June, Ellen Lambeth and Greg Hudson, fellow staffers here at National Wildlife Federation who work on Ranger Rick magazine, had a pretty awesome wildlife sighting. While Ellen was heading to the … Read more
Eliminating Snakes in Your Yard
As National Wildlife Federation Naturalist, I frequently get questions from folks about “getting rid of” wildlife in their yard. Especially snakes. Unfortunately, most of the advice you can find online on … Read more
