Black-capped Chickadee—Photo: Mick Thompson

OPAS Backyard Birding: “Home as Habitat”
Presented by Steve Koehler
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Dungeness River Nature Center 
Suggested donation: $5

Steve Koehler

As we move into fall and winter, let’s rethink about how we share our yards with native birds and plants, as well as other species they depend on mutually. This program features photos taken by Steve in his family’s yard, showcasing the species we are fortunate to live alongside.

Steve will explore how the plants our local birds evolved with provide habitat—including food, shelter, and nesting places. This is an exploration beyond feeders and nest boxes to consider the habitat birds and wildlife used before human presence on the Peninsula. The emphasis is on how birds, and the insects they require, use our local flora throughout the various stages of the life of a tree and plant—and just as importantly, after the plants no longer live. We’ll talk about which native plants may already be present in your yard. In many cases, it is not necessary to add native plants, it could be just a matter of encouraging what’s already there. 

Bring your ideas and questions, as well as your recommendations and knowledge of other local resources.

Admission to each seminar is free. However, we suggest a donation of $5.00 per person to support ongoing OPAS education and conservation programs. Thanks for your support!