Tips for Builders: Protecting Wildlife Season by Season

Construction is a necessary and vital part of modern society. However, it can have a significant impact on local ecosystems, particularly when it comes to disrupting the breeding, nesting, and migration patterns of wildlife. General contractors and builders have a responsibility to minimize this impact and respect the needs of wildlife to thrive. One way to do this is to follow best practices – aligned with the seasons.

To start, this could mean avoiding construction activities during times when wildlife is most vulnerable. For instance, in the spring and summer, construction activities should be scheduled around the breeding and nesting schedules of local wildlife. In the fall, construction activities should be scheduled around the migration or hibernation schedules of local wildlife. You’ll find there are many other tips like this in the post today. Here are some tips for all builders so you can adequately respect wildlife during construction, season by season.

Tips for Throughout the Year

• Conduct a wildlife survey before construction begins to identify sensitive areas and determine the best ways to protect wildlife. This survey should take into account the presence of endangered or threatened species and their habitats. For example, if a construction site is located near a bald eagle nest, special measures should be taken to ensure the eagles are not disturbed during construction.
• Use low-impact construction methods whenever possible to minimize the disturbance to wildlife habitats. This includes using hand tools or drones instead of heavy machinery, limiting the clearing of vegetation, and avoiding the use of chemicals that may be harmful to wildlife. By using low-impact methods, construction activities can be completed with minimal disruption to local wildlife.
• Implement erosion control measures to prevent soil and sediment from entering nearby waterways and harming aquatic wildlife. This can include the installation of sediment barriers and silt fences to keep sediment on site. Additionally, limiting the clearing of vegetation can help reduce soil erosion.
• Monitor the construction site regularly to identify any potential issues or areas of concern. Regular monitoring can help identify and address any problems quickly, such as the presence of invasive species or the accidental removal of vegetation. This can also help ensure that all best practices are being followed throughout the construction process.
• Provide education and training to workers on how to minimize the impact of construction on wildlife. This includes providing information on local wildlife species, their habitats, and behaviors. Workers should be trained to recognize signs of wildlife presence and to take steps to minimize disturbance.
• Use noise-reducing equipment or schedule construction activities at times when wildlife is less active. This can help reduce noise pollution and minimize disturbance to wildlife.
• Schedule construction activities around the migration or hibernation schedules of local wildlife.
• Avoid the use of bright lights that may interfere with the natural behavior of wildlife. This can include reducing the number of lights on the construction site or using shielded lights to direct light downwards.
• Schedule construction activities during the day to avoid disturbing nocturnal wildlife.
• Consider providing shelter for wildlife during construction. This can include leaving some trees or vegetation in place, providing nesting boxes or artificial dens, or creating temporary habitats for wildlife to use during construction.
• Work with local wildlife conservation groups to learn about the most effective strategies for protecting and conserving wildlife during construction.
• Create exclusion zones around sensitive habitats to prevent accidental damage or destruction during construction.
• Properly dispose of all waste materials to prevent pollution of the surrounding environment and potential harm to wildlife.
• Install barriers or fencing around construction sites to prevent wildlife from wandering into hazardous areas or getting trapped.
• Encourage workers to report any sightings or issues with wildlife to supervisors or wildlife experts.
• Consider implementing a wildlife management plan to minimize the impact of construction on local wildlife populations.
• Coordinate with local wildlife rehabilitation centers to provide assistance and care to injured or displaced wildlife during construction.
• Use reflective materials or warning signs to reduce the risk of collisions with migrating wildlife during construction activities near roadways or highways.
• Plan construction activities around the availability of food sources for wildlife, such as fruit trees or berry bushes.
• Use natural landscaping techniques, such as planting native species or creating wildlife corridors, to enhance habitat connectivity and support local wildlife populations.
• Work with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation during construction and to promote responsible behavior around wildlife habitats.
• Provide nesting or den boxes for wildlife during construction to compensate for any lost habitat or nesting sites.
• Use natural or recycled materials for insulation and other building components to minimize the use of harmful chemicals and materials that can negatively impact wildlife.

Spring Tips

Spring is a crucial time for many wildlife species, as they are breeding and nesting. General contractors and builders should take special care to avoid disrupting these activities. Here are some additional best practices for respecting wildlife during construction in the spring:

• Avoid mowing or clearing vegetation during nesting season.
• Use bird netting to protect nesting sites.
• Keep pets away from construction sites, as they can disrupt nesting sites.
• Schedule construction activities around the breeding and nesting schedules of local wildlife.
• Schedule construction activities around the migration schedules of local wildlife.
• Avoid the use of bright lights that may interfere with the natural behavior of wildlife and their migration schedules. This can include reducing the number of lights on the construction site or using shielded lights to direct light downwards.

Summer Tips

Summer is a time when many wildlife species are active and visible, making it an essential time to respect their needs. Here are some additional best practices for respecting wildlife during construction in the summer:

• Use silt fences or straw bales to protect water sources from sediment runoff.
• Avoid using insecticides or herbicides that may be harmful to wildlife.
• Schedule construction activities to avoid peak wildlife activity times, such as bird feeding or nesting times.
• Provide shaded areas or vegetation for wildlife to escape from the heat during the construction process.
• Consider providing water sources for wildlife at a safe distance. During hot and dry seasons, wildlife may struggle to find water. Providing a water source can help minimize the impact of construction on local wildlife.
• Use noise-reducing equipment or schedule construction activities at times when wildlife is less active. This can help reduce noise pollution and minimize disturbance to wildlife. For instance, in the summer, construction activities can be scheduled during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is less active.

Fall Tips

Fall is a time when many wildlife species are preparing for migration or hibernation. It’s important to respect these activities and take steps to minimize the impact of construction. Here are some additional best practices for respecting wildlife during construction in the fall:

• Avoid tree clearing or trimming during bird migration season.
• Limit the use of heavy machinery during tree felling to prevent soil compaction and root damage.
• Avoid burning debris piles during hibernation season.
• Schedule construction activities around the migration schedules of local wildlife.
• Avoid the use of bright lights that may interfere with the natural behavior of wildlife and their migration schedules. This can include reducing the number of lights on the construction site or using shielded lights to direct light downwards.

Winter Tips

Winter is a time when many wildlife species are hibernating or conserving energy. It’s a crucial time for these species, and builders should take special care to avoid disturbing them. Here are some additional best practices for respecting wildlife during construction in the winter:

• Avoid disturbing hibernating animals by staying away from known hibernation sites.
• Use snow fencing to prevent wildlife from crossing hazardous construction areas.
• Provide alternative food sources for wildlife during the winter when natural food is scarce.
• Schedule construction activities around the hibernation schedules of local wildlife.
• Use snow fences or other barriers to prevent snow removal or plowing activities from disturbing hibernating wildlife.

Additional Tips and Resources 

Construction projects can have a significant impact on local ecosystems, particularly when it comes to disrupting the breeding, nesting, and migration patterns of wildlife. To minimize this impact and respect the needs of wildlife to thrive, general contractors should follow best practices aligned with the seasons. Here are some additional tips and resources that can help general contractors respect wildlife during construction:

Work with local conservation organizations: Contact local wildlife conservation organizations to get expert advice on how to minimize the impact of construction on local wildlife populations. These organizations can provide valuable information on species at risk, habitat protection, and wildlife-friendly construction methods.

The importance of maintaining habitat connectivity: General contractors and builders should consider the importance of maintaining habitat connectivity during construction. Habitat connectivity is the degree to which natural areas are connected, allowing wildlife to move freely and safely between habitats. Disrupting habitat connectivity can have a significant impact on wildlife populations and should be avoided whenever possible.

The use of wildlife crossings: Wildlife crossings are structures that allow wildlife to safely cross roads and highways. Builders should consider the use of wildlife crossings during construction to help maintain habitat connectivity and reduce the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions.

The benefits of green infrastructure: Green infrastructure refers to natural or semi-natural systems that provide ecological, social, and economic benefits. General contractors should consider incorporating green infrastructure into their construction projects to help minimize the impact on wildlife and the natural environment.

The importance of public education: General contractors can help promote public education and awareness about the importance of respecting wildlife during construction. This can include providing information about local wildlife species, their habitat needs, and the potential impacts of construction on their populations.

The use of technology: General contractors can use technology, such as drones and thermal cameras, to monitor wildlife populations and identify potential areas of concern during construction. This can help minimize the impact of construction on local wildlife populations.

Use wildlife-friendly materials: Consider using building materials that are less likely to harm wildlife. For example, using reflective glass can help prevent bird collisions, and using non-toxic paints and sealants can reduce the risk of harmful chemicals entering the environment.

Educate the community: Educate the local community about the importance of respecting wildlife during construction. You can do this by hosting public meetings, creating educational materials, or even offering guided tours of the construction site to showcase your efforts to protect wildlife.

Adopt green building practices: Consider implementing green building practices that reduce the overall impact of construction on the environment. Examples include using energy-efficient systems, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable transportation options for workers.

Provide wildlife habitats: Create wildlife habitats within or near the construction site to help mitigate the impact of construction on local wildlife. This can include planting native vegetation, installing birdhouses or bat boxes, or even creating artificial wetlands.

By incorporating these additional tips and resources into their construction projects, general contractors can help ensure that their activities do not harm local wildlife populations. By working together with local conservation organizations, using wildlife-friendly materials, educating the community, adopting green building practices, and providing wildlife habitats, we can build a more sustainable future for both wildlife and humans.

Tips for Builders: A Word of Caution

If general contractors fail to respect wildlife during construction, the negative impacts can be significant. Disturbances to breeding, nesting, and migration patterns can cause a decline in wildlife populations. This disrupts the balance of the local ecosystem. Soil and sediment entering nearby waterways can harm aquatic wildlife, while noise and disruption can cause stress to wildlife, leading to health problems and reduced reproduction rates.

Seasonal considerations are critical when it comes to wildlife conservation during construction. However, there are other factors that general contractors should keep in mind to ensure they are not harming wildlife populations. These factors include:

1. Habitat fragmentation: Habitat fragmentation can be caused by construction, leading to isolated populations and a reduced gene pool.
2. Light pollution: Artificial light can affect the behavior of wildlife, such as the migration of birds, and can disrupt nocturnal animals.
3. Chemical exposure: Chemical exposure can harm wildlife populations, and their habitats, such as herbicides or pesticides that can contaminate waterways or soil. 
4. Road mortality: Construction can lead to increased roadways, which can result in increased wildlife mortality due to vehicle collisions.

By keeping these factors in mind and taking the necessary precautions, general contractors can ensure they are not causing unnecessary harm to local wildlife populations during construction. By respecting the needs of wildlife, general contractors can contribute to the overall health and well-being of the natural environment.

In conclusion, respecting wildlife during construction is crucial for maintaining healthy and sustainable ecosystems. General contractors and builders have a responsibility to minimize the impact of their construction activities on local wildlife populations. By following best practices aligned with the seasons and considering other factors, general contractors can ensure they are not harming wildlife and contributing to the overall health of the natural environment.