Sometimes, it feels like so many things in this world are out of our control. That we can do nothing to change the outcome of those big problems. In my line of conservation work, I look at declining pollinator and bird populations, our chocolate milk waterways, and people losing connection to the outdoors, and I can quickly become overwhelmed.

As a single individual, no matter how hard I try and how much sleep I lose, I will never be able to fix all the conservation problems. Because these significant issues weren’t created by a single person overnight, they will not be fixed by a single person overnight. Instead, these problems that our natural world faces can be fixed by you! Conservation can start with you! Small steps by every individual are what is needed to make significant changes.

You are probably asking, “But how!?!?” Have you thought about planting a flower, planting milkweed, planting a garden, planting a shrub with berries that birds like to eat, planting a tree, planting a prairie, planting a riparian buffer strip (trees along a creek or river), or volunteer to plant trees? No matter how much land you have, you can add much-needed habitat for all different types of wildlife.

Not good at growing things? How about recycling, purchasing products that have less packaging, using reusable grocery bags, going thrifting, giving hand-me-downs, using reusable napkins, plates, and silverware, using a reusable water bottle, walking or riding your bike to work or school, turning off water when brushing your teeth, or turning off lights when you leave the room.

Do all those already and need more ideas? Try picking up litter, using paper straws, feeding the birds, creating a rain garden, removing invasive species, collecting prairie seed, joining the Friends of Marshall County Conservation Board (selfish plug), mowing your lawn clippings into your yard, washing your car on your grass, using fewer pesticides (and follow the labels), picking up your dog poo, leaving your leaves on your yard in the fall, mowing less, composting or getting involved with citizen science.

You can even have fun while making this world a better place, like going for a wildflower hike, mushroom hunting, looking for deer antlers, biking on the Linn Creek bike trail, fishing, trying kayaking, birding, taking nature pictures, stargazing, calling owls, playing at the local playground, or taking in an outdoor concert. Go outside and reconnect.

Phew. I could keep going, but by now, I have probably overwhelmed you with options. Remember, you cannot do it all, but every little bit helps. So next time you worry about those big problems, whether conservation-related or not, remember this quote by Mark Twain: “The secret to making progress is getting started.” See you outside soon!

——

Emily Herring is the

director of Marshall County

Conservation Board.