A Garden For The Birds: Western Colorado’s First Habitat Hero
Even though Nic Korte is a hero, he doesn’t consider himself special. He believes anyone can be a hero — a Habitat Hero that is. Currently, Korte’s Grand Junction and Collbran yards/gardens are the sole Western Slope properties designated Habitat Heroes by Audubon Rockies, a regional bird conservation nonprofit.
Nic Korte shows off tubular perennials that attract hummingbirds. He replaced a large lawn with native plants that attract birds. Photos by Melanie Wiseman.
“There are many people who have my ethics for habitat,” says Korte. “I would love to see Habitat Hero designation signs all over, so people would be aware and inspired by others paying attention to water and wildlife.”
WHY BIRD HABITAT MATTERS
The breeding adult bird population in the U.S. and Canada has declined by over 3 billion since 1970 according to Cornell University — and the number continues to drop. The goal of the Habitat Hero designation is to support communities in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming in cultivating bird-friendly habitats.
Bird habitat loss is a major threat to bird populations. Driven by human activity, deforestation, urban sprawl and agriculture are fueling a staggering decline in bird habitat — a trend that shows no signs of slowing. The remaining fragmented and isolated natural areas are not large enough to support certain birds’ needs. Planting native plants helps to weave together the patches of our unraveling ecosystem in order for birds to thrive.
Like us, birds need food, water and shelter throughout the year. Native gardens not only brim with seeds, berries, insects and shelter for birds, they conserve water, help combat climate change, eliminate chemical fertilizer and pesticide use, require less maintenance and do not spread invasive plant species. Native plants provide nectar for pollinators including hummingbirds, native bees, butterflies, moths and bats.
Native plants grow naturally in a region in which they evolved. The life of birds depends on their ecological basis. Without native plants and the insects that co-evolved with them, birds cannot survive. Unfortunately, most available landscaping plants are alien and break the food web, degrading natural habitat. Through Audubon’s helpful database, people can discover native plants in their area and the types of birds they will attract.
A LOCAL LEADER IN BIRD-FRIENDLY GARDENING
Korte has lived in his Grand Junction home since 1986. He considered the home’s large grassy lawn a waste, promptly downsized it (less mowing and watering) and replaced it with native plants. He jokes that people stop and comment on the ever-changing native blooms, but never roll down their window to compliment him on his grass!
Every drop of water that hits Korte’s roof is captured and directed either to underground perforated pipes that irrigate trees and plants or to a rain barrel for future use. All growth in his yard and gardens is organic, and maintenance is seasonal and fairly minimal. Most of his plants were free starters from friends or empty lots. A favorite of the birds is his healthy crop of sunflowers, which began with two roadside ditch transplants.
Korte frequents many nurseries but praises Chelsea Nursery in Clifton for its dedication to xeric plants, which require less water, and native species that naturally thrive in the Rocky Mountain region.
In June 2025, Korte received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Colorado Field Ornithologists — recognizing him as a dedicated community leader whose contributions to birding and habitat protection span decades and have left a legacy in Western Colorado and beyond.
“What I do is a drop in the bucket, but I’ve always felt that if everyone in the world did their drop in the bucket, it could fill an ocean,” he says.
BECOME A HABITAT HERO
Visit audubon.org/rockies/projects/habitat-hero for information on native plants for your area. Complete and submit the application with photos and contact amanda.martinez@audubon.org with questions.
After Habitat Hero designation is approved, you will receive a sign for display, a copy of Colorado Wildscapes, native wildflower seeds, the possibility of being featured by Audubon to help inspire others and the pride that comes in know ing you are part of the growing effort to revitalize habit landscape for birds.
“I believe in small gestures — it’s worked for me in my life,” says Korte. “If people are making an effort to save water and planting bird habitat, then they could be a Habitat Hero, too.”
GET INVOLVED
Join a free informational kickoff meeting aimed at boosting the Habitat Hero program on the Western Slope, sponsored by the Grand Valley Audubon Society.
Habitat Hero Presentation
• Presented by Amanda Martinez, Audubon Rockies Habitat Hero senior coordinator
• Monday, Sept. 15, 2025
• 6:30 p.m. social, 7 p.m. program
• First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27-1/2 Rd., Grand Junction
Originally published in the fall 2025 issue of Spoke+Blossom.