Where do most birds nest? In trees, of course! Spring brings the lovely sound of chirping birds but it can also bring the loud whir of chainsaws. In today's episode, we discuss how to negotiate with utility companies that appear overly aggressive in their tree removal and trimming practices with Diane Hoffman of Hamden Alliance For Trees (HAT), an organization in Connecticut that has been very successful in protecting the trees in their town. How to protect your neighborhood's trees: 1) Form a group to protect trees and seek like-minded members in your town; 2) Urge your town to form a Tree Commission with members that are average citizens; 3) Ask your town to hire a part-time or full-time arborist who also serves as a consultant in Tree Commission matters; 4) Investigate the idea of creating a town ordinance that oversees the work of utility companies; 5) Organize petitions to save trees in dispute; 6) Plant street trees on your front lawn and away from the hellstrip; 7) Urge your town planners to bury utility lines; 8) Report utility companies to government officials for using intimidation tactics like referring customer complaints to the "Escalation Department"; 9) Request to see permits when questioning tree cutting or removal work; 10) Carefully document all discussions with utility company personnel; 11) Be willing to testify at legislative hearings. See Connecticut PURA (Public Utility Regulatory Authority) tree laws at https://tinyurl.com/2p8phm39. See Hamden, CT Tree Ordinance: https://tinyurl.com/2w8ezywz. Also on tap: how to remove invasive English Ivy and the consequences of poaching native flowers from the wild. Go to plantconservationalliance.org. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Access the BIRD HUGGER Newsletter here: www.birdhuggerpodcast.com. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to [email protected].