Latest Research

Interested in learning more about the research happening regarding native plants, bird populations, and more? Explore the articles and publications below.

  • Photo of garden in California by Garden for Birds Participant, 2025.

    Proportion of native plants is a key predictor of pollinator richness in urban greenspaces

    Article by: Thomas Lilkendey, Brittany M. Mason et al. Published on November 10, 2025 on Springer Nature Link.

    The relationship between urbanization and pollinator richness was explored through iNaturalist observations from Florida, U.S.A. Spaces enriched with native flowering plant species were found to support higher pollinator richness in urban areas. Non-native plant species were associated with less pollinator richness.

  • Small garden with lots of green plants, yellow and orange flowers.
    Photo of garden in New Hampshire by Garden for Birds participant, 2025.

    Pacific Northwest native plants and native cultivars part II: plant and pollinator traits

    Article by Jen J -M Hayes , Nicole C S Bell et al. Published on October 16, 2025 on Environmental Entomology, Oxford Academic.

    This publication focuses on a garden of Pacific Northwest native plants and native cultivars developed to explore differences in plant traits and bee community composition. Increasing urban greenspace, especially by planting native plants, was found to best increase pollinator richness.

  • Orange, black and white monarch butterfly on a pink petaled flower with an orange center that butterfly is feeding on.
    Monarch in the United States by Gale VerHague / Macaulay Library.

    Aphid abundance and monarch butterfly oviposition in urban gardens

    Article by: Edwin Quiroz, Mary V. Ashley & David N. Zaya. Published on October 23, 2025 on Springer Nature Link.

    The co-presence of monarchs and aphids in gardens with milkweed plants were analyzed in landscapes in the U.S.A. Observations suggest there is not a correlation between monarch eggs and larvae and aphid population, indicating that aphids do not decrease the ecological value of native milkweed plants for monarchs.

  • A creamy brown cap mushroom growing in a pile of green grass.
    Tawny Grisette mushroom in the United States by Aaron Pietsch / Macaulay Library

    Why rewilders shouldn’t forget about fungi

    Article by: Timo Mendez. Published October 11, 2025 on Rewilding.

    This publication explores how specific fungi can play a key role in encouraging rewilding and conservation through its ability to cycle nutrients, develop symbioses, stabilize and support tree health or create habitats in the ecosystem.

  • Light yellow and olive bird with a distinct white eye ring perched on a tree branch.
    Warbling White-eye in Japan by Natthaphat Chotjuckdikul / Macaulay Library

    Noticing nearby wildlife at home is associated with enhanced mental health and pro-conservation attitudes

    Article by: Masashi Soga, Kota Matsumoto, & Masumi Hisano. Published on August 15, 2025 on ScienceDirect.

    An online survey was conducted, aiming to understand how the observation of wildlife influences the mental health and pro-conservation views of urban Japanese residents. The findings reveal that the relationship between people and wildlife-fostered through direct interaction- positively impacts human mental health and increases biodiversity conservation views.

  • Flock of blackbirds with bright streaks of red and yellow standing out amongst the flying group.
    Red-winged Blackbird in the United States by Bartholomew Birdee / Macaulay Library.

    North American bird declines are greatest where species are most abundant

    Article by Alison Johnston, Amanda D. Rodewald et al. Published on May 1, 2025 on Science.

    In this publication, data from eBird regarding 495 bird species were collected and indicated that 75% of species were in decline, and a large majority of bird populations were greatly increasing and decreasing in separate regions. The findings underscore the importance of bird population data, conversation, and recovery endeavors.

  • The American Robin is a bright rust-colored chested bird with a black and gray head accompanied by a white eye-ring foraging on the ground among bright yellow flowers looking for a meal.
    American Robin in the United States by E R / Macaulay Library.

    Removing autumn leaves in residential yards reduces the spring emergence of overwintering insects

    Article by: Max Ferlauto, Karin T. Burghardt. Published on March 5, 2025 on ScienceDirect.

    The effects of removing fallen leaves from residential yard areas were investigated by measuring belowground temperatures and 5 aboveground arthropod taxa. The results demonstrated that by leaving the leaves, arthropod populations were supported and insect biodiversity may be preserved, therefore, enhancing the ecological value of residential land.

  • Garden with a hummingbird feeder and lots of bright red and yellow flowers to attract birds, bees, and butterflies.
    Photo of garden in Oklahoma by Garden for Birds participant, 2025.

    Urban Biodiversity: Cultivating Support Through Municipal Codes

    Article by: Adams, A., Benaroya, A. et al. Published on April, 2021 by the Ecological Design Lab.

    This publication highlights a toolkit developed by the studio team to provide best practices for local governments and examples of programs and educational initiatives for enriching residential neighborhoods and private yards.

  • School yard with red flowers and bird feeders.
    Massachusetts school yard that added native plants in 2025. Garden for Birds Participant.

    Green Schoolyards in Low-Income Urban Neighborhoods: Natural Spaces for Positive Youth Development Outcomes

    Article by Carolyn R. Bates, Amy M. Bohnert, & Dana E. Gerstein. Published on May 24, 2018 on Frontiers.

    A study was conducted to understand the impact of newly renovated green schoolyards in urban, low-income residential areas on the behavior of children, and teacher and caregiver perceptions about well-being, bullying, injuries, and gang activity. Through surveys and behavioral mapping, green schoolyards with natural outdoor and safe species were found to have a positive effect on youth development, physical activity and social behavior.

  • Garden in Mission Dolores Park in the United States by Erick Masias / Macaulay Library.

    Urban community gardens foster positive human-avian interactions across an income gradient in San Francisco

    Article by Kelley E. Langhans, Alejandra Echeverri et al. Published on May 6, 2025 on ScienceDirect.

    This publication examined access to positive interactions with urban birds in San Francisco and analyzed if those interactions were equitably dispersed among 20 community gardens across an income gradient. The findings indicate that facilitating community gardens could encourage equitable access to nature.

  • Hummingbird Clearwing in the United States by Jocelyn Anderson / Macaulay Library

    Lepidoptera of North America, north of Mexico: an annotated list containing geographic ranges and host-plant records

    Article by Kimberley J. Shropshire, Douglas W. Tallamy. Published on November 26, 2025 on ZooKeys.

    This publication encompasses an annotated list with all named Lepidoptera and their host plants in the USA and Canada.

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