Farm Created to Encourage Planting of Trees Now Giving Visitors a Glimpse of the Birds That Occupy Forests

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CARMEL, Ind., March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- When one thinks of Arbor Day and the National Arbor Day Foundation, the first thing that comes to mind is trees. Planting trees creates many benefits for the environment, not the least of which is sustainable habitat for woodland animals.

The close relationship between trees and woodland birds is a key part of the new Tree House Trail at the Foundation's Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, about 50 miles south of Omaha. Thanks to an $8,000 grant from the Wild Birds Unlimited Pathways To Nature Conservation Fund, visitors to this special farm also enjoy unique opportunities to experience birds.

The Tree House Trail is a half-mile walk through the forest, with informative, interactive activities that keep visitors entertained as they learn more about the importance of trees. Two of the stations along the trail focus on the birds that flutter through and soar over the woodlands. The Bird Call Mimic Station allows visitors to hear and imitate songs and calls of those birds, while the Bird Listening Station features specially designed devices that help amplify and focus the sounds coming from the woods.

The highlight of the trail is the Canopy Tree House, nestled 50' up in the canopy of the oak/hickory forest. This bird's eye view offers a completely new perspective on the forest, giving visitors a chance to see treetop birds in their natural setting.

In addition to more than 170 species of birds that either live in or visit this forest, the farm is home to white-tailed deer, bobcat, raccoon, opossum, muskrat, mink, red fox, and numerous other mammals. To learn more about the Arbor Day Farm and take a virtual tour, visit http://www.arbordayfarm.org/ .

The original and largest franchise system of backyard birdfeeding and nature specialty stores with over 300 locations throughout North America, Wild Birds Unlimited established the Pathways To Nature Conservation Fund in 1999 as part of its mission to bring people and nature together. Funded by a contribution from every Wild Birds Unlimited store, Pathways To Nature has provided nearly $740,000 in grants to 25 environmental education and wildlife viewing projects. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation partners with the company in this effort, using federal funds and a challenge grant program to match the grants, thereby increasing their impact. More details on the Pathways To Nature program are available at http://www.pathwaystonature.com/ .

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