Norika Smallwood

Native-plant landscaping in residential yards provides habitat and refuge for birds in Southern California

Native-plant landscaping in residential yards provides habitat and refuge for birds in Southern California

As an ecologist, the mega sprawl of cities such as Los Angeles has always made me wonder what happened to wildlife native to the land before development. In the 20th and 21st centuries, humans in Southern California have converted vast natural ecosystems into buildings, houses, roads, agriculture, and other infrastructure and land uses. How did these drastic changes to the environment affect wildlife? How can we mitigate the negative effects of urbanization on wildlife?