Cooper’s Hawk on a Shed (Dylan Mirales)
Submitted by the Newtown Borough Environmental Advisory Council
“Now for the first time decidedly there is something spring-suggesting in the air and light. Though not particularly warm, the light of the sun… is suddenly yellower.”
— Henry David Thoreau, Journal, February 18, 1855
February may seem like a quiet time in nature. Bare trees, patches of frost, the muted colors of winter. But as Thoreau observed, signs of change are already appearing. Even now, our landscapes remain habitats—not just for us, but for the wildlife that shares our space.
A flash of red in the branches; a cardinal picking at seed heads left standing. A Cooper’s hawk watching for movement below. Squirrels digging through leaf litter to find acorns stashed away months ago. Toads and frogs, buried beneath damp leaves, waiting for warmer days. While we may see winter as a season of stillness, life is everywhere; it just looks different.
More Than a Lawn
Many of us were taught to see our yards as separate, private spaces—our own patch of green to maintain. But to wildlife, there are no property lines. A bird doesn’t recognize a fence; a butterfly doesn’t stop at the edge of a lawn. Each yard, park, and roadside strip of grass connects outward, forming one continuous habitat.
That means small changes in one yard can ripple outward, supporting birds, pollinators, and other wildlife in ways we may not even notice.
- Dried flower stalks and seed heads hold food for overwintering birds like finches and sparrows.
- Leaf litter shelters butterflies, bees, and other pollinators until spring.
- Brush piles and hedgerows provide refuge for small mammals and nesting birds.
- Damp, undisturbed spaces offer protection for toads and frogs.
Your Yard as Part of a Larger Habitat
Sustainable landscaping isn’t about letting your yard go wild; it’s about seeing it as part of something bigger. A few small choices can make a big difference:
Leave Some Leaves: They act as natural mulch and provide shelter.
Plant Natives: They attract pollinators and support local birds.
Reduce Pesticide Use: Fewer chemicals mean healthier ecosystems.
Create Small Shelters: A brush pile, birdhouse, or bat house gives wildlife a home.
Try a Rain Garden: It absorbs runoff and provides habitat.
Nature Doesn’t Recognize Boundaries
Thoreau found life in places others overlooked. We can do the same. Winter isn’t just dormancy; it’s preparation for spring.
The next time you look out your window, imagine your yard as a piece of something larger—a network of green spaces that, together, sustain wildlife throughout the seasons. Even small changes in one yard can ripple outward, creating a healthier, more connected habitat for all.
The Newtown Borough Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) is a group of volunteers working to keep our borough a special place for people and wildlife alike. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at boroughofnewtown.com/contact-us.