PLANTS FOR BIRDS

Southeast Volusia Audubon (SEVAS) had a desire to create awareness and educate the public about the many benefits of using native species of plants, shrubs and trees to create and preserve natural habitats and attract birds. We know these habitats will preserve the necessary spaces to protect our diminishing bird, insect and wildlife species.

I’m Joyce Riddel a member of the board of SEVAS and coordinator of our “Plants for Birds” program. The message I would like to share with you on behalf of our SEVAS chapter is that anyone, no matter your type of home, single family, condo or other, can create a “Plants for Birds” garden. These beautiful, low maintenance, chemical free, and drought tolerant spaces are good for our birds and people too. We were inspired to take part in this national Audubon program, sponsored by Audubon and Florida Power and Light, because the need to create these native habitats, is so critical. Did you know that since the 1970’s we have lost over 3 billion birds? Research points to native landscaping as a key tool in increasing bird diversity and abundance. By landscaping with native plants, we can change our community from a patchwork of sterile landscapes into a quilt of restored habitat. To have an abundance of birds to watch, we need to preserve and provide the habitats they need to nest, feed, nest and shelter, which in turn helps balance the unique ecosystems here in Volusia County. We currently have three Interpretive “Plants for Birds” gardens in New Smyrna Beach, not only are they supported by grants from Audubon and FPL, we also have developed community partners like the Marine Discovery Center, the City of New Smyrna, the Native Plant Society, Volusia County, and more. Come visit our Plants for Birds gardens and learn how you can become part of our community effort to create native habitat for birds and other wildlife. Our gardens are located at the following locations:

  • The Marine Discovery Center, 520 Barracuda Blvd., New Smyrna Beach, Florida

  • The Alonzo Babe James Community Center, 201 N. Myrtle Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

  • Myrtle Avenue Park, 801 Canal St., New Smyrna Beach, Florida  

  • Contact me at Jpearce.riddel@gmail.com for more information or to volunteer      

To learn more about the Audubon Society’s national Plants for Birds initiative, and find native plants specifically for your area, to go https://www.audubon.org/plantsforbirds