Abstract:
This project focuses on Indianapolis's ecological health with respect to native songbird habitats. Songbird populations in the eastern United States have been declining since World War II, and strong populations and rich biodiversity of songbirds typically mean a healthy ecosystem. This project explores how that health can be improved by implementing a native songbird habitat restoration at Grassy Creek Regional Park in Indianapolis.
Many factors influencing songbird habitat suitability have been researched , including critical plant species, ideal mating and nesting conditions, interior-to-edge ratios, and others. Several interviews have been conducted not only with experts on the topic, but also with people from the agencies and entities that influence and oversee similar projects in Indianapolis. Published academic studies on urban bird population dynamics and bird habitat restoration projects have been reviewed to better understand trends and current issues.
Indianapolis is a world-class city with great natural beauty and ecological richness, but the ever-expanding urban infrastructure is threatening the city's natural systems more and more each day. A native songbird habitat restoration will not only provide critical habitat space for songbirds and many native flora and fauna, but it will also give Indianapolis an important educational resource and provide support for future habitat restoration projects. This project is meant to advance the movement toward a healthier urban ecosystem in Indianapolis.
