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Karen Marshall's avatar

Karen Marshall

The Hartford Earth Team

Karen's points

  • 85 TODAY
  • 141 THIS WEEK
  • 156 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    2.0
    donations
    made
  • UP TO
    3.0
    community events
    hosted or attended
  • UP TO
    60
    minutes
    spent learning

Karen's actions

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Learn About Local Keystone Species

Some species are especially important because they help keep whole ecosystems in balance. I will spend 20 minutes learning about a keystone species near me and how it supports biodiversity and resilience.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Learn About Biodiversity Hotspots

Biodiversity hotspots are places with many unique species that are also at risk. I will spend 20 minutes learning about one hotspot and reflect on why protecting it matters for resilience.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Leave the Leaves

Fallen leaves, logs, and brush provide shelter and food for wildlife. I will leave natural features in my yard or community space to help strengthen biodiversity and soil resilience.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Reduce Light Pollution

Too much artificial light can confuse and harm animals, especially those active at night. I will reduce sources of outdoor light or switch to wildlife-friendly fixtures to support healthy habitats.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Remove Invasive Species

Removing invasive species (species that are not naturally found in my area and can outcompete native plants) can help beautify nature around me and protect local biodiversity. I will learn about invasive plants in my area and, if possible, support or participate in at least one effort to beautify nature near me by removing invasive species.

COMPLETED 3
DAILY ACTIONS

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Choose Native Plants

Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife and help ecosystems adapt to change. I will choose native plants for my yard, balcony, or community space instead of non-native or ornamental species to support biodiversity resilience.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Donate to Support Wildlife

There are many amazing projects supporting wildlife and their habitats. I will choose a project or organization to support that helps species and habitats I care about and make a donation.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Biodiversity and Wildlife

Speak Up for Wildlife Protection

Wildlife needs support from people. I will take 20 actions, such as volunteering, signing petitions, contacting leaders, or sharing information on social media, to help protect habitats and species.

UNCOMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Participant Feed

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Biodiversity and Wildlife
    What lights did you reduce or change, and how might this help wildlife near you?

    Karen Marshall's avatar
    Karen Marshall 4/17/2026 8:16 AM
    • Earth Advocate 📣
    I actively practice 'lights out' especially during bird migration during the Spring and Fall. I've also visited dark sky areas in the Texas Hill Country and Big Bend -- Amazing!
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Biodiversity and Wildlife
    What native plants did you choose, and how do they support wildlife in your area? Share a photo in the feed!

    Karen Marshall's avatar
    Karen Marshall 4/17/2026 7:29 AM
    • Earth Advocate 📣
    At the beginning of the month, I began revamping my garden. I have researched native plants for my area and removed some invasive species that were taking over the flower bed.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Biodiversity and Wildlife
    What hotspot did you explore, and why is it important to protect it? How does it connect to global resilience?

    Karen Marshall's avatar
    Karen Marshall 4/15/2026 3:37 PM
    • Earth Advocate 📣
    Next week I will be visiting staying on the Upper Texas coast and visiting several bird sanctuaries in that area. Peak spring bird migration for 2026 is currently underway, with peak movements occurring from late April through mid-May. The Texas coast is a vital biodiversity hotspot, featuring critical habitats such as the North American Coastal Plain, productive salt marshes, and unique coral reefs. Key hotspots include the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and the Upper Texas Coast's birding sanctuaries,
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Biodiversity and Wildlife
    What did you learn about the keystone species you chose, and how does it help keep the ecosystem around it in balance?

    Karen Marshall's avatar
    Karen Marshall 4/15/2026 3:24 PM
    • Earth Advocate 📣
    Last month, I went to see the Whooping Cranes that winter along the coast of Texas; this month I read up on them and what is being done to and read they are an endangered species with on 800 in the wild; and a large group winters along the Texas Coast - they are estimate to be approx 543 in this group with others in LA and Winsconsin. The International Crane Foundation and The Conservation Fund partnered in 2025 to secure over 3,300 acres of critical wintering habitat in Texas, preventing development in vital coastal wetlands.