Interview with Backyard Habitat's

Earth Day may have passed but, really, shouldn't we be celebrating our planet every day? We love the idea of "making the world a better place for wildlife … one backyard at a time," and, with the timely release of The Best of Backyard Habitat, Volume 1, we thought it would be a good idea to call naturalist David Mizejewski for some tips on how to get the whole family involved in creating an environment that's, well, environmentally friendly.

DM: There are four criteria it has to meet. It has to provide the things all wildlife need to survive: food, water, shelter, and a place to raise their young.

DM: Wildlife really need our help because we're destroying their habitats at an astounding rate. My organization--the National Wildlife Federation--created this concept because it's such an easy way for people to make a difference, and we partnered with Animal Planet to bring the concept to the public in a fun and entertaining format.

DM: Well, first, parents need to be involved since ultimately they'll have to help build the habitat, and that's great because it truly makes it a family activity. Each episode of the show features a practical craft project, and one of the ones kids like best is making an edible birdfeeder. They just get some bread--a bagel works perfectly because it already has a hole in it--and tie a string through it. Then they take some peanut butter dipped in birdseed and spread it on. They can hang it from a tree branch, and it makes a nice, tasty snack for birds. It may even attract some squirrels.

DM: Kids can recycle an old, shallow dish and make a birdbath. They can decorate it with non-toxic paints or, as they'll see in one of the episodes, use non-toxic adhesive to glue shards of old tiles on to it to make a mosaic. This is great especially in summer when birds will flock to it to cool off.

DM (laughing): We make that joke all the time on the show, but it's really true. Kids can see the results of their efforts right away, which are very rewarding for them and encourages them to continue doing these kinds of things. They're also great teaching moments because parents can point out that the animals are coming because they can't just grab a snack out of the fridge when they're hungry or jump into a pool when they're hot.

DM: Absolutely. One of my favorite episodes takes place in New York City, where we make a fantastic habitat in a tiny space. You don't need a big budget or a big yard to create an effective habitat. The 12 episodes in the new DVD are a cross section of the kinds of places we've been, from cities to coastlines to suburbs and rural areas, and show people in every area what they can do to attract that region's unique wildlife.

DM: That's okay too. One of the most important components of the show is that it encourages people to experience nature, whether it's in their own backyard or simply taking a walk in a local park. Kids spend an average of six hours a day inside, in front of electronic screens, and they've lost that basic connection to nature. We need to get them unplugged and restore that balance. The show offers lots of fun, practical, and family-friendly ways to do that.

DM: Sure. Now that spring's here, kids can go on a nest hunt. They get so excited when they actually find one and realize there are lots of amazing things to see if they just take the time to look. In fact, there are different activities they can do for each season. In their own backyards, they can encourage nesting birds right now by helping their parents plant shrubs and put up birdhouses. Summer is the time to focus on water sources, like the birdbath. In fall, they can help plant trees and perennials so they can build up their roots during the winter and be established and ready to bloom by spring. During winter, supplemental feeders are important to help hungry wildlife get enough food.

DM: Eliminate using chemicals and pesticides in the backyard. People don't realize that chemicals have a life beyond the yard: they end up polluting streams and hurting wildlife--as well as children and pets playing outside. Changing to organic products has a big impact, and taking children along to shop for them can teach them to make better choices later on. We have to nurture that appreciation for nature early and show kids how to live in harmony with the world around them.

DM: They can fill out an application on Animal Planet's Web site and provide the required documentation. Imagine how proud kids will feel to be officially recognized for their efforts.