NABS, in conjunction with
Cornell University, has been
monitoring the species’ numbers.
Nationwide, since the efforts in
the ‘70’s, bluebird numbers have
increased dramatically, until about
five years ago when they, alarm-
ingly, leveled off. But there is good
news says Stan. “In the state of
Maryland we are holding our own
or doing a little bit better than the
national average.”
This is largely due to the com-
mitment of people like Dr. Zeleny,
Anne Sturm, Stan and Beth, but
also because of protected areas like
the Ag Reserve which serve as a
foothold for the struggling species.
By reducing urbanization, and lim-
iting the threats that go along with
it, the Ag Reserve serves as a bas-
tion of protection for this beautiful,
vulnerable species.
Oh, and it turns out, blue-
birds love dried mealworms. In
conjunction with this article, John
Speelman at Poolesville Hardware
has stocked bluebird houses and
mealworms for anyone who wants
to invite bluebirds into their yards.
If you are interested in learn-
ing more about bluebirds and
how you can help them, visit:
Mdbluebirdsociety.org.
Pamela Boe is a freelance writer, blog-
ger (Mamaboe.com), former paramedic,
avid cook, gardener, and outdoors-
woman. She lives in the Ag Reserve with
her husband and two children.
M o n t g o m e r y
C o u n t r y s i d e A l l i a n c e
Working to Protect Farmland and Open Space
Check out MCA’s
ongoing initiatives at
MoCoAlliance.org
Land Link:
Connecting Farmers
& Landowners
Re-Leaf The Reserve:
Planting Trees to
Combat Climate Change
Regenerative
Agriculture:
Restoring the Soil
Sunday, Oct 13, 2019
Catered Lunch Farm
Rest Stops Familes
and Teams Welcomed
Routes of 10 - 62 Miles
Sponsorships Available
Registration Opens June 1 at RideForTheReserve.org
Ride Like The Reserve Depends on It!
plenty I autumn harvest 2019
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