The best way for citizens to care for endangered species is to care for the environment upon which we and all living things depend.  Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Volunteer at your local wildlife refuge.  Activities include wildlife monitoring, removal of invasive plants, and erosion control.

Know your state and local fishing and hunting laws.  If you observe wildlife poaching, please contact your state fish and game office. These offices can also provide information on how you can get involved in local community wildlife conservation.

Don’t put hazardous substances down the drain or in the trash.  Material such as paint thinner, furniture polish, motor oil, antifreeze, and even prescription drugs can pollute our water and land, impacting people as well as wildlife.  For information on how to properly dispose of hazardous material, see the Environmental Protection Agency’s guide to safe management of household hazardous waste.

Recycle everything you can, such as newspapers, cardboard, scrap papers, cans, glass, motor oil, plastics, and appliances.

When landscaping, consider using native plants that provide birds and other creatures with food and a place to live.  Some non-native plants can become invasive and harm native species.  To learn how to make your backyard wildlife-friendly, see the National Wildlife Federation’s Backyard Wildlife Habitat program.

Learn about natural insect controls as alternatives to pesticides.  Grow plants that are natural insect repellents to help keep unwanted insects away.  For more information on these and other ways to make your lawn environmentally friendly, visit www.epa.gov/epahome/home.htm#lawn.

If you use pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides, pay close attention to the label instructions.  Don’t throw leftovers in the trash, down a drain, or into a storm sewer, but dispose of them properly.  Visit the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Backyard Conservation website for pesticide disposal information and other environmental lawn and garden care tips.

Going abroad?  Think twice about the things you buy.  Travelers often don’t realize that U.S. laws prohibit bringing many wildlife souvenirs into our country.  To learn more about these laws and what products are illegal to import into the U.S., visit www.fws.gov/le/Travelers/TipsforTravelers.htm.

Learn about endangered and threatened species and species-at-risk in your area.  To see how many listed species live in your state, visit www.fws.gov/endangered/wildlife.html.  This site also contains a wealth of other information on imperiled species,

Consider a career in conservation.  Join the dedicated men and women who are working to protect wildlife and plants here in the U.S. and around the world.  For more information, visit www.fws.gov/midwest/Careers/.

Finally, get outside!  Enjoy nature and learn more about it.  For more information about what you can do, we invite you to visit www.fws.gov/endangered/factsheets/what_you_can.pdf.