Bill McKibben has spent most of his life working to wean the world off fossil fuels, which, when burned, produce pollutants responsible for climate change and the catastrophic damage it causes.
Bill McKibbenHe has written 20 books, including "The End of Nature," the first to explain climate change to nonexperts. In 2021, he founded Third Act, a group for people 60 and over that demonstrates against energy companies and the banks that finance them.
After being named an Advocate for Aging, McKibben, who is 61, agreed to talk about some of the biggest issues older adults will face in this fractious election year. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
On critical aging issues that are largely being ignored
I have to say something about climate change because it actually is something older people ignore, even though there's a lot of research showing that older people are the people most impacted by natural disasters. It's physically hardest for them to move when a hurricane's coming — hardest to uproot themselves, find someplace new and start over.
"The deepest question facing older adults is probably a variation on one facing us all: the loss of a sense of community in favor of a highly individualized world where it is every man for himself."
In a larger sense, the deepest question facing older adults is probably a variation on one facing us all: the loss of a sense of community in favor of a highly individualized world where it is every man for himself. I think that's acutely felt by older people because we have a vestigial memory of a different world before that. It's particularly difficult for older people who have any hope of, say, aging in place. That requires a functioning community around you to make that happen. So that's really one of the overarching things we work on.
On the inspiration to start Third Act for activists 60 and over
The fossil-fuel divestment campaign (organized by 350.org, a McKibben group that has attracted younger people) was largely on college campuses, so I got to know all the leaders of the Youth Climate movement in their very first campaigns. And then I got to know wonderful people like Greta Thunberg (a 21-year-old Swedish climate-change activist).
That was completely wonderful. I have just heard a few too many people my age say, "Oh, it's up to the next generation to solve these problems." That sounded to me both ignoble and impractical for all their energy and intelligence and idealism.
"If you're in your 60s or 70s or 80s now, your first act was in that period of great economic, cultural, social, political transformation of the 1960s and 1970s." 
Young people by themselves lack the structural power necessary to make change on the scale we need in the time we have. As I started thinking about who may have it, I focused on people my age. There are 70 million of us over 60 and 10,000 more turn 60 every day, which is as many people as are born in this country every day. And we punch above our weight politically because we all vote and we ended up with most of the country's financial assets to ensure we are in a good position to put pressure not only on political actors, but economic ones.
On rekindling older adults' belief that they can effect change
The conventional wisdom has been that it's useless to try and organize older people for progressive change because people become more conservative as they age, for which there's a certain amount of statistical evidence. But it seems less true all the time, and this is one of the key insights of our work with Third Act.
If you're in your 60s or 70s or 80s now, your first act was in that period of great economic, cultural, social, political transformation of the 1960s and 1970s. That's in our generational DNA. Our job at Third Act has been recapturing that as people come into their third acts. So far, we've been successful, both in terms of gaining members and winning fights. We've just come off this massive victory, persuading the Biden administration to stop granting permits for new LNG export facilities, which might be the biggest loss that Big Oil has taken yet.
On making an asset of one's age
We had this big campaign against the banks that fund fossil fuel companies. We shut a bunch of them down for a day in March 2023 — 100 demonstrations in 100 cities across America. We shut them down by sitting in rocking chairs. Hundreds of them all over the place. The Times called it the rocking chair rebellion.
On other ways older Americans can work to make things better
We don't think you can solve the climate crisis without also addressing the democracy crisis in our country. The challenges to the climate and to our democracy are two things we did not anticipate in our youth. We'll be heavily engaged there.
"Our trouble is that we don't have that time. Eventually is, you know, not fast enough."
On how to discuss climate change with people who don't believe in it
The polling shows about 70% of Americans understand that we have a real climate problem and, in fact, want the government to do more about it. Partly that's because movements have done a good job and partly that's because we've had so many fires and floods and other disasters — at a certain point you're going to ask, 'Who do you believe, Fox News or your own lyin' eyes?' The problem with climate at this point is making people aware that we can be doing important things as a society to speed up this transformation (to clean energy). That's a large part of our work, helping people feel their own power.
On what to expect in the near future
You know, we now live on a planet where the cheapest way to produce power is to point a sheet of glass at the sun. That's a miracle in physical terms, one of the biggest changes in our lifetimes. The only bigger physical change is the fact that we've just had the hottest year in the last 125,000.
These are such monumental changes that over time, economics alone will produce the transition that we need. Our trouble is that we don't have that time. Eventually is, you know, not fast enough. Because climate change is a timed test. Once you have melted the Arctic, nobody has a good plan for how you're going to freeze it back up again. And so we have a very few years to try to speed up this transformation, and that means things like enacting the Inflation Reduction Act, bolstering clean energy, and standing up to the fossil fuel industry.


Bill McKibben: Older Adults Can Save the Planet

Mark A. Stein

This article is part of Navigating Change, a Next Avenue initiative made possible by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and EIX, the Entrepreneur Innovation Exchange.Courtney Burton has spent most of her career in the retail industry. She was a merchant for several major companies, including Target, CVS, Albertson's and Lane Bryant. For the last 11 years of her retail career, she represented small companies selling private label products to Target.
Courtney Bruton, for many years a retailing executive, has changed into a jazz singer, something she has wanted to do for most of her adult lifeShe also had a side-gig for more than two decades in the Twin Cities: Singing old school jazz with Beasley's Big Band. "That's my sweet spot," she says. "I have become an advocate for keeping this uniquely American art form alive."
Burton decided to retire in 2018 at age 60 for several reasons (although "next chapter" is a more apt term than "retire"). She wanted to leave her job on her own terms and timetable. Her mother was "at the end stage of her dementia journey."
The Challenge of Changing Careers
But the primary motivation for retiring was her desire to turn her passion for music and side-hustle as a singer into a full-time career. Her financial planner told her the numbers worked if she kept getting professional engagements. Her career coach said she was ready emotionally to make the transition. "I still have my voice," she says. "I don't know how long this is going to last. I got to do it now."
She embraced the music business in 2019. In addition to regular shows with Beasley's Big Band, she's also creative director and lead vocalist for her jazz ensemble, Court's in Session. She also has a side-hustle focused on another activity with high personal returns — career coach. Burton's practice is geared toward individuals looking to make a life transition, including career development, changing occupations and retiring.
"I still have my voice. I don't know how long this is going to last. I got to do it now."
Her music business was interrupted by the pandemic of 2020 and, like many entrepreneurs, she had to quickly pivot. Burton took advantage of time away from live performances to build an infrastructure for her music business. She relied on coaching for income.
At age 65, she finds coaching and music are now about equal in time for her. "I love creating nurturing, safe spaces for people to experience humanity, whether it be their own or someone else's," she says. "I do that in the coaching practice, and that's really the essence of my music business."
We know that plenty of older adults pursue various creative endeavors in their spare time (think of your aging neighbors and 50-plus colleagues). The web-automation company Zapier estimates 40% of Americans had a side-hustle in 2022. Gallup found that 61% of those surveyed said hobbies were extremely or very important to them.
The thought of turning hobbies, creative passions and side hustles into a business in the second half of life is an attractive option to consider. For one thing, the activity is meaningful with high personal returns. For another, you understand the product or service. Finally, the time spent on your passion has revealed insights into what potential customers want and need.
Being Your Own Boss Is Exhausting
That said, the transition toward building a full-time creative business isn't easy. There is a big difference between, say, intermittently selling homemade salad dressing at farmers' markets and running a full-time salad dressing company, or making a little money on the side by occasionally doing paid DJ gigs for friends and making a living as a DJ.
"Maybe you think it isn't about money, but at the end of the day you don't want to lose money doing it."
Starting a full-time enterprise requires much work, planning and financial and emotional commitment. Sometimes a creative passion that has given personal satisfaction for years along with extra income should remain a hobby. Nothing wrong with that.
"It starts with what any entrepreneur should start with. What are your goals? What do you want to get out of it?" says Donna Marie De Carolis, founding Dean of the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship and the Silverman Family Professor of Entrepreneurial Leadership at Drexel University in Philadelphia. "Maybe you think it isn't about money, but at the end of the day you don't want to lose money doing it."
You'll want to develop a business plan and figure out how you'll make money selling your services or product, of course. There are also several practical steps to take that don't cost money (beyond the price of buying coffee, wine and maybe a meal) but do require an investment in time. De Carolis strongly recommends tapping into your network early on to get their insights into your business idea. Actively reach out and solicit their suggestions and criticisms.
Ask for Advice — and Use It
Research your business prospects by learning from surrogates, entrepreneurs already engaged in the activity you want to pursue full-time. Many successful entrepreneurs are remarkably willing to share what they have learned about their business. You might also consider pulling together an advisory board — two or three people "who will work with you as you go through this journey," says De Carolis.
The number crunching, business plan, marketing strategies and other basics are critically important because they improve the odds your enterprise will succeed. (Check out this column's sidebar with its 15-point list of to-dos.) So are the high personal returns — the sense of purpose and meaning — that come from transforming a passion into an encore career. Just ask Marshall Vanderburg, aged 68.
Vanderburg had several careers in Colorado working for local government, a software company and a small business serving nonprofit organizations and local governments. He and his wife raised two daughters and many Airedales in their home in Denver. He is now a farmer and writer.
Next Step: Winegrower
Specifically, Vanderburg is in his third year as winegrower with a modest 125 vines on land in North Fork Valley in central Colorado. He writes about his experiences growing grapes and Colorado's burgeoning wine industry on his website, Wine Encore. He works hard and it's clear from our conversation that he's having a blast. "I always enjoyed learning new things," he says. "The part of how I'm spending my time learning is so rewarding."
 "I always enjoyed learning new things . . . spending my time learning is so rewarding."
Let's back up for a moment. Vanderburg worked in the retail and commercial wine business as a young adult in college and immediately after graduation. He moved to Denver as a Vista volunteer after graduating from the University of Oklahoma.
In 2008, inspired by a friend who has a winery in California, he began making his own wine. Ten years later he wanted his own operation. He and his wife bought some land in the wine growing area of North Fork Valley. He grows Pinot Noir and Riesling since both grapes are suitable for the area's climate.
The work is physically hard and there have been weather-related setbacks. The vineyard is a bootstrap operation financially, at least so far. He's working on a business plan that would let him sell wine with the aim of covering his costs. "That's my goal," he says.
Mentors for a Mid-Career Rookie
Several experienced mentors in the Valley have helped him along in his wine-making adventure. "There's nothing better than learning from someone doing what you want to do," he says. "I spend a lot of time with people a lot more knowledgeable than me."
The entrepreneurship and creativity among older adults looking to turn their passions, hobbies and side-hustles into full-time enterprises is exciting. Traditional barriers between leisure (fun) and work (hard) crumble.
The embrace of entrepreneurship in the second half of life by so many older adults reflects the deep desire that our work makes a difference to ourselves, our families and our community, even if only in small ways. "Finding purpose in life matters," says Vanderburg, adding that "it doesn't matter what age you are." He's spot on.


How to Turn a Hobby into a Business

Chris Farrell

Growing up in Brooklyn in the 60s and 70s, our family and many of our friends' families had grandparents living with us or close by. We didn't think of it as "multigenerational living." We just thought it was normal. Social and economic trends since then have shifted toward nuclear families and, increasingly, one-person households.
 This modern home was built for multigenerational living with an attached ADUI'm one of the growing number of single person households headed by someone 50 or older – now approaching 26 million, according to a survey published in the New York Times, but many of my Mexican American and Filipino American neighbors are enjoying multigenerational lives. Their families can greatly benefit from these arrangements. Planned smartly with new housing options, so can yours.
Trend Drivers 
"Immigrant families and first generation families are more likely to have multigenerational households than families that are more established in the U.S.," observes Caroline Cicero, associate professor at the University of Southern California's Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, a phenomenon as old as immigration itself, she adds. One of the major drivers of this trend for all groups, she points out, is the cost of housing. The pandemic played a role too, she adds.
"Immigrant families and first generation families are more likely to have multigenerational households than families that are more established in the U.S."
Planning Needs 
While a crisis like Covid, or traveling across oceans for seasonal visits, might put generations together for a few weeks or months, planning to establish a permanent multigenerational living arrangement requires serious planning and communication. It's important to consider the expectations and responsibilities of each generation, Cicero advises, suggesting that each household ask its members, "What are the boundaries and guidelines which will govern day to day life and will lead in extraordinary circumstances as well?"
It's also important to determine the type of housing arrangement that will work on a permanent or long-term basis. Will the generations share a home or build a separate building or apartment on the property? Who will live in which residence? What elements are needed for privacy, safety and comfort? How much will they cost to include? What's required today for a family member who may have balance or memory issues?
"Very few homeowners have the foresight to install age-friendly or user friendly features in their homes until they are absolutely necessary," Cicero comments. That is starting to change among the economically advantaged 50 and older demographic.
1. Accessory Dwelling Units 
One increasingly popular option for homeowners is the accessory dwelling unit, also known as ADUs or granny flats. These range from studios with kitchenettes and bathrooms to multi-bedroom small houses. There are freestanding tiny homes (both built on site and prefabricated), apartments atop garages, and even added suites constructed within a home itself, called JADUs  for junior ADUs.
The porch is a gathering space for the house and connected ADUSince being approved by California in 2016 to address the state's housing crisis, more than 80,000 have been permitted. When designed for aging-in-place, as a few ADU building firms are starting to do, they can be ideal for multigenerational living.
"I receive around one call per month from clients seeking ADU referrals for their aging parents," says  Senior Real Estate Specialist Linnette Edwards from the San Francisco Bay Area. "The majority of new construction ADUs are now incorporating options that cater to aging-in-place needs, making them more accessible for individuals with varying mobility requirements." (If you're considering this option for your property, you'll need to research what rules apply to your community.)
Author Sheri Koones' latest book, "ADUs: The Perfect Housing Solution," features several projects designed specifically for multigenerational living. "This is a great way for families to live together while maintaining privacy," she says.
To accommodate aging in place, the ADUs Koones published feature barrier-free entries and showers. "One homeowner put in an elevator to make the ADU (over the garage) accessible for his father who has some physical issues," she notes.  
ADU kitchenAccording to Koones, many homeowners include universal design features for their ADUs to house parents. Others add them for their own future needs, perhaps moving their adult children and grandchildren into the family home while they relocate to the ADU. "This is a way for them to retire," she says. (For older adults wanting to travel after retirement, having family on property means their home is looked after while they're away.)
2. Dual Suite Homes 
Rather than a separate building or garage addition, some multigenerational households build or purchase a larger home with two primary suites. I saw this often while designing kitchens and bathrooms for Asian American clients in Florida. The grandparents would have their own bedroom, en suite bathroom, sitting area and kitchenette within their adult children's new home construction project. They could retreat to the privacy of their suite when desired, or mingle with the rest of the family in the living areas and main kitchen.
Edwards says this trend is still going strong in her market too. "Developers are increasingly recognizing the desire for dual primary suites, allowing for multigenerational living or providing additional space for older family members." There is also demand for those "in-law" kitchens – and appliances and fixtures manufactured for them too.
A pullout kitchen counter can serve grandparents helping with seated dinner prep and grandchildren doing art projects.Koones' book includes a new home construction project with a similar structure in Connecticut. The ADU is an integral part of the main home's architecture, rather than a stand-alone building. "The family expressed that they really 'like' being together and that was surely a reason to consider such a plan. The porch was built in the center of the house and ADU so the couples could meet when they wanted to and maintain their privacy when that was what they want at that time," she says.
Another multigenerational feature of some homes is a first-floor primary suite. "There is a notable increase in demand for single-story or homes with level-entry designs," Edwards comments. She notes that they command a premium when they hit the market. (I've found very few of them in my San Diego area home search.) Homes with the extra kitchenettes are popular with buyers too, she adds.
3. Multigenerational Communities 
One of the newest real estate trends is multigenerational communities. This allows what the industry calls "baby-chasers" to live near their grandchildren without sharing a home. Major developments like Atlanta's popular Serenbe wellness community are building 50-plus neighborhoods for the parents of current residents and others drawn to the area.
"College students sharing homes with adopted grandparents and shared arrangements between older adult neighbors are something to think about."
Edwards is seeing this trend in her region too. "Forward-thinking developers are intentionally creating neighborhoods within larger developments to cater to the concept of multigenerational living. This strategic approach acknowledges the growing preference among families, particularly those with members aged 50 and above, to reside in close proximity to each other while enjoying the amenities and conveniences of a larger community setting," she notes.  
This trend may surpass age-restricted developments, as there are social benefits to intergenerational communities for all age groups.
4. Spare Room Situations
As Cicero observes, not every household can afford to expand their living space when adding a new member to the household: "Every family's accommodations, financial resources and situation necessitates a unique perspective. Many don't have the luxury of planning how to obtain an extra unit or suite nearby."
When moving an older relative in, maybe consider having two children start sharing a bedroom or having a grandparent share a bathroom with kids and teens (both happened in our household). Communication is especially vital. Modifications for accessibility and safety are also sometimes needed. A family that qualifies for economic assistance may be able to get help from local programs that offer such services for free. (A social worker or occupational therapist can typically connect them with such resources.)   
Beyond Nuclear and Extended Families 
Many of us older adults – more than 15 million 55 and up, according to the Census – don't have children or grandchildren, or may not want to relocate out of state. That doesn't mean we can't take advantage of multigenerational living, Cicero points out.
"We need to think beyond nuclear and extended families," she suggests. "College students sharing homes with adopted grandparents and shared arrangements between older adult neighbors are something to think about."
Co-living by friends, neighbors and roommates across generations can be a model worth exploring for companionship and housing costs.


4 Ways to Experience Multigenerational Living

Jamie Gold

This article is part of Navigating Change, a Next Avenue initiative made possible by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and EIX, the Entrepreneur Innovation Exchange.Companies that went cashless in the past few years, whether to increase the speed of transactions or reduce the theft of cash, are experiencing some whiplash.
An increasing number of states are forbidding businesses to refuse payment in cash and accept only credit cards, debit cards, mobile payment apps and other digital payment methods.Take salad chain Sweetgreen, which stopped accepting cash in 2016 only to reverse course just a few years later. The move was in response to growing criticism against cash bans and, recently, new laws.
An increasing number of states are forbidding businesses to refuse payment in cash and accept only credit cards, debit cards, mobile payment apps and other digital methods to transfer funds.
Supporters of cash payments say that requiring retailers to accept cash promotes financial inclusion and prevents discrimination against those mostly lower-income people who do not have bank accounts and rely on currency.
The new laws also are forcing many small and mid-sized businesses to adapt. If you're a business owner wondering how these bans could affect you, read on to learn how to adapt to changing consumer preferences while maintaining compliance with these new laws.
Which States Have Cashless Bans?
Card-only policies have been controversial for years but they became more so during the COVID-19 pandemic as retailers and merchants went fully digital to limit physical contact between customers and clerks in an effort to minimize the spread of the virus.
After a growing number of businesses went cashless during the COVID-19 pandemic, a backlash by some consumers and advocates for the poor pushed many states and cities to enact local cashless bans.
Four municipalities and nine states currently have laws requiring retailers to accept cash, including:
New York CityPhiladelphiaSan FranciscoWashington, D.C.ColoradoConnecticutDelawareMassachusettsMontanaNew JerseyOregonRhode IslandTennesseeFive additional states — Arizona, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina and Missouri — recently proposed cashless business bans. North Dakota lawmakers rejected a bill.
While details of each ban differ slightly by state or city, most say that businesses can't refuse cash, charge more to accept cash payments or advertise that cash isn't accepted. These laws apply to all businesses — from mom-and-pop coffee shops to large restaurants.
These bans hope to increase accessibility for all consumers, especially consumers who are unbanked or underbanked, typically from low-income, older or minority groups.
"I hesitate to call all cashless businesses discriminatory. Many are just keeping up with consumer preferences for fast digital payments."
Many advocates for these bans say refusing cash payments is discriminatory. Some small business owners don't fully see it that way.
"I hesitate to call all cashless businesses discriminatory," says Josh Ladick, owner of GSA Focus, which helps small businesses secure government contracts. "Many are just keeping up with consumer preferences for fast digital payments. But these bans do aim to help those without bank accounts access more places. It's a complex issue."
While the intention behind these regulations may be admirable, they may pose some challenges and adjustments for businesses, especially those that went fully digital.
"The winners in a cashless ban are those who rely on cash for their transactions. Many small businesses dealing in cash alone can benefit," says Bill Ryze, a chartered financial consultant and board advisor at Fiona, a loan marketplace based in Memphis, Tennessee.
"At the same time," he adds, "the losers include those who have invested heavily in cashless systems and technology."
Here are some ways you and your business may need to adapt.
Rethinking Payment Systems
For many smaller businesses, transitioning to a cashless operation has numerous advantages. It's often more efficient — and more secure — to accept only electronic payment types like credit or debit cards.
"Going cashless saves the business time, costs and the hassles of handling, storing and depositing paper money."
"Going cashless saves the business time, costs and the hassles of handling, storing and depositing paper money," says Ryze. "It also reduces the chances of theft because there's nothing for the thief to steal."
Many retailers have invested heavily in electronic payment systems, building the infrastructure to make accepting only digital payments more manageable. Now that states are passing pro-cash laws, many of these businesses must reverse course.
This means reconsidering your payment methods, upgrading your infrastructure and retraining staff to comply with the new regulations.
"This will definitely create more work for small businesses like mine," says Ladick. "We'll have to train staff, deal with storing cash securely, and change our accounting processes. More costs and effort for companies already operating on thin margins."
Technically, there's no ban on refusing digital payments, so businesses could switch to only accepting cash. But keep in mind more than 80% of consumer transactions in 2022 used digital payments, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. And the percentage of transactions made using cash is declining rapidly—down 42% between 2016 and 2022. Looked at in that way, going cash-only could hurt your business.
INSERT FRBSF CHART HERE, PLEASE
The most practical way forward is to implement a hybrid model accepting cash and digital payments. This approach ensures you offer inclusive payment options while enjoying the benefits of cashless transactions.
The Cost of Complying with New Laws
You may need to update your business' infrastructure to comply with these bans. This includes installing cash registers, ATMs or payment kiosks for cash transactions. Upgrading point-of-sale (POS) systems to accept cash and digital payments is important for businesses embracing the hybrid model.
"This will definitely create more work for small businesses like mine."
The other big adjustment that comes with handling cash is keeping track of it. Electronic payments are easy to keep track of. Cash? A little bit harder.
Researching and identifying software that can help you track digital and cash payments will save you time and money in the long run.
Lastly, businesses will have to rethink security. While there is a security risk with electronic or digital payments, there are additional concerns that come with handling high volumes of cash.
In response, business owners may need to think through their existing security systems and strategize ways to reduce the risk of theft or fraud. This could include installing surveillance cameras, cash counting machines and additional cash storage.
Together, all these changes amount to many new expenses. Ladick estimates it could be "tens of thousands" in unexpected costs.
Supporting Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
The hope is that these initial costs could lead to higher revenues as businesses become more accessible to more people. Ultimately, large companies will find it much easier than smaller enterprises to swallow these costs.
"It's a complex issue with potential winners and losers on all sides."
One way to assist small- or mid-sized businesses with this transition is through government subsidies or incentives that help offset costs and potential risks for small retailers.
"That would ease some of the burden on our end," says Ladick.
Another solution could be focusing on unbanked and underbanked Americans and developing initiatives to help them adopt cashless technology, says Guillaume Drew, founder of e-commerce brand Or & Zon. Environmentally friendly initiatives that help bolster a more digitally inclusive economy could reduce the environmental impact of producing cash.
Overall, "it's a complex issue with potential winners and losers on all sides," says Drew, "but it's clear that businesses will have to be nimble and open to adaptation."


Cashless Businesses Make Change

Hanna Horvath

This is the first of two Next Avenue articles about preparing for a smooth transfer of your estate to your heirs. The second article is "6 Ways to Save Your Heirs from a Painful Probate."Many of us have experienced the devastating grief of losing a partner or parent. That grief can be magnified when we need to handle the settling of the estate.
If you have had to settle the estate of a parent, you may have experienced the time, expense and stress of probate, the legal process for settling an estate.This may have been easier for a surviving spouse, if all assets were held jointly. But if you had to settle the estate of a parent, you may have experienced the time, expense and stress of probate, which is the legal process for settling an estate.
To make sure your heirs have it easier, consider using some tools that help them legally avoid probate, but still receive their inheritance. Here are three good options:
1. Make a Will — and Keep It Updated
A will contains the wishes of the deceased person, including how to distribute assets, who will be the beneficiaries, who will be in charge of selling and distributing assets (an executor) and burial directives.
"Without a will, the state essentially writes a will for you, determining who will inherit from you and in what shares, whether you would like it or not," says Jennifer B. Cona, the founder and managing partner of Cona Elder Law in Melville, New York.
For these reasons, a will is the bare minimum component of your estate plan. Attorneys can help you write your will; there are even free and low-cost online platforms where you can create one yourself.
"Without a will, the state essentially writes a will for you, determining who will inherit from you and in what shares, whether you would like it or not."
Your will should contain a list of all of your assets and property, the names of your beneficiaries and how the assets will be split among them. It also should name an executor to carry out the wishes in your will and you should choose guardians for minor children and pets. It is important to keep it updated.
"Relationships change, laws change and your assets change," says Cona. "Many people sign their wills and forget about them. We recommend reviewing your estate plan every two to three years to make sure the people you have named as beneficiaries and fiduciaries (the executor and others managing assets) are still the people you want in those roles.
"You should review your plan right away if there has been a death in the family, marriages, births, significant changes in your assets or changes in the tax laws."
2. Name Beneficiaries for All Accounts
Make sure to name and record beneficiaries for all of your savings, investment and retirement accounts as well as individual investments such as Certificates of Deposit (CDs), savings bonds and life insurance.
I have a personal example of why this is important. My mother passed away earlier this year and did an excellent job making it easy for me to inherit her estate without a probate process. However, she forgot to add me to one bank account as a beneficiary or joint owner.
In order to get those funds, I had to work with a lawyer to file a distribution without administration. It's a Florida option that allows the person who paid the funeral or final medical bills of the person who died to be reimbursed using the estate's assets. This required me to collect receipts for payments as well as a lot of other paperwork, and I had to pay the lawyer and a filing fee.
"Adding a joint owner to an account is ripe for abuse and unintended tax consequences because the ownership addition could amount to a gift."
Bottom line: The time and stress involved in gaining access to this one account could have been easily avoided. Make sure to have a beneficiary for each asset you own that may pass to your heirs.
A tip: if you have accounts at banks or credit unions (such as checking and savings accounts and CDs), you can create a Payable on Death (POD) designation for each one so that one or more beneficiaries can receive the proceeds without going through probate.
Finally, if you have joint accounts and property with your partner, you will be able to avoid probate, since you're essentially bypassing the estate process. However, if you're a surviving spouse and are considering making your children joint owners instead of beneficiaries, proceed with caution.
My mother made me the joint owner of all of her accounts and assets (except the account mentioned above), but I am the exception, not the rule. We were very close, as an only child I was the sole beneficiary and she was divorced and never remarried. However, few estates are this straightforward, so joint ownership is not recommended in most instances.
"A living trust is our preferred manner of making sure property passes to beneficiaries without probate."
"Adding a joint owner to an account is ripe for abuse and unintended tax consequences because the ownership addition could amount to a gift," says Eido Walny, founder and managing partner of Walny Legal Group, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. And that is not even the worst that can happen.
"Several years ago, we got a call from a woman who was added to her mother's large checking account along with her brother," recalls Walny, who is a member of the national board of directors of the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils. "When her mom died, her brother cleared out the account. That was not what mom had intended, but which she empowered her son to do.
"Litigation would have been the only option to retrieve the money, but the sister did not want to sue her brother," he explains. "That's a bad result for everyone involved, except the brother. Beneficiary designations are a far better method to use."
3. Use Probate Avoidance Tools and Shortcuts
A number of estate planning tools can help you avoid probate altogether or at least greatly shorten the process. They vary by state and work better in some circumstances. Some examples:
Check to see if your estate qualifies as a "small estate" inheritance. Each state allows inheritors of "small estates" to avoid the probate process. Small estates can be as little as $50,000 or as much as $500,000. To receive the assets, your heir(s) will need to fill out a form (often called an "affidavit"), get it notarized, and then present it, along with a death certificate, to a bank or institution holding the asset.Consider "Transfer on Death" deeds if you own property and your estate will not qualify for the "small estate" exemption. Over half of U.S. states allow this, and five states (Florida, Texas, Michigan, Vermont and West Virginia) allow a similar option — Lady Bird deeds. These let you name a beneficiary for your home, but let you live in the property while you are alive. When you die, the property is transferred without probate.Set up a living trust if your state doesn't offer Transfer on Death options, or your estate is too complicated for one. This might be your best option if you are divorced or remarried, have stepchildren or children from a prior marriage, have strained family relationships or estranged family members, own properties in multiple states, own a business or own substantial assets and want to reduce your estate taxes."A living trust is our preferred manner of making sure property passes to beneficiaries without probate," says Walny. A living trust, he says, can also include other assets that can be passed on without probate, notably savings accounts and other investments.
Act carefully when creating a living trust. "Some assets, such as retirement accounts and life insurance policies, shouldn't be included in living trusts, as they can trigger tax consequences," Walny says.


3 Ways to Help Your Heirs Avoid Probate

Margie Zable Fisher

This article is part of Navigating Change, a Next Avenue initiative made possible by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and EIX, the Entrepreneur Innovation Exchange."Change before you have to." This maxim, credited to former General Electric CEO Jack Welch, is a pithy reminder that being able to manage change skillfully is not an option but a necessity for business leaders.
"General Electric became one of the earliest adopters of change-management plans when it produced the Change Acceleration Process, which emphasized focusing on workplace culture when pursuing change,"The term "change management" entered the business vernacular in the 1990s. It describes the discipline that emerged when people accepted that individual change does not happen by chance but rather can be fostered through careful planning and repeatable steps.
"Change has a way of sneaking up on you."
General Electric became one of the earliest adopters of change-management plans when it produced the Change Acceleration Process, which emphasized focusing on workplace culture when pursuing change by creating a shared need, shaping a vision and mobilizing commitment from the workforce.
Fast forward to 2023, where change-management plans have become the cornerstone for how companies across all industries think about and execute change. In a broader sense, change-management plans offer companies a roadmap to their goals by outlining the changes needed to achieve them.
Know When It's Time to Change
Sometimes, the best time to consider implementing a change-management plan is before you're forced to change out of necessity.
"That sounds counterintuitive, but in my experience, change has a way of sneaking up on you," Autoloancalculator.net founder Anup Kayastha said. "If you're considering a shift in strategy, technology or even company culture, you should already be sketching out a change-management plan. Being proactive rather than reactive can make a world of difference."
"Being proactive rather than reactive can make a world of difference."
At other times, however, the writing is on the wall when your company is ready for significant changes.
Alister Wood, the CEO of VisitUs, a software-as-a-service company, realized he had to think clearly about managing global scale when he expanded to new international markets.
"[The expansion] meant that we had to develop a change-management plan because every employee would get new responsibilities and they needed to understand their roles," Wood said. "Of course, we needed to upscale our workforce and feature set of our software, too."
New technologies, the rise of competitors and changes in regulations can all be signs that your business needs to adapt.
When content-marketing service Aloha Digital transitioned from traditional marketing strategies to digital strategies, CEO Itay Malinski knew it was time to consider a change-management plan.
"This was a significant shift that required us to rethink our processes, tools, and even our team structure," Malinski said.
First, Build a Good Foundation
Change-management plans are most successful when executed with a solid, structured methodology.
"It's essential to clearly articulate the reasons for the change, the desired outcome and how it will affect everyone involved."
According to a study by Prosci, a leader in change-management research, 59% of businesses that used a particular methodology achieved good or excellent levels of change management. Only 29% achieved the same levels of success with a structured approach.
Start by listing your main goal, including the reason for the change as well as the outcome.
Next, list the changes that need to be made and draw up assignments with responsibilities and a blueprint of how operations will run after the change.
Finally, ensure you include all of your stakeholders — including employees — in the process.
"Communication is key during this stage, and it's essential to clearly articulate the reasons for the change, the desired outcome and how it will affect everyone involved," said David Zhang, CEO of Kate Backdrop. He has implemented multiple change-management plans at Kate, which makes backdrops for photographers.
If your team needs to get up to speed on looming changes, consider providing the necessary training, such as workshops or one-on-one coaching, to educate stakeholders and help them adapt to the changes, Simply Business CEO Alan Thomas said.
Look Out for These Pitfalls
Unfortunately, even the best-laid plans are subject to challenges and change-management plans are no exception.
Because change has to be a team effort, some of the biggest roadblocks could be made by people in your organization. That may be why, a McKinsey study found, only 30% of change programs succeed.
The leading causes of failure are employee resistance and management behaviors that do not support desired changes, according to the study.
"Resistance from employees or stakeholders who are comfortable with the current state of affairs can be a significant obstacle." 
"In my experience, resistance from employees or stakeholders who are comfortable with the current state of affairs can be a significant obstacle," Zhang said. "This is why involving them in the process and providing clear communication from the beginning is crucial."
Any major change to your company's structure or day-to-day procedures will affect your team, so you must give them the tools they need to understand and navigate the changes.
"We first trained our team on the new tools and strategies," Malinski said. "We then implemented these changes gradually, ensuring everyone was comfortable with the new processes. We also made sure to reinforce these changes through regular training sessions and updates."
People, as creatures of habit, can be anxious about change, particularly if we have become accustomed to normalcy. By engaging your employees about the why behind the change, you build a stronger team that is ready to navigate the dynamic currents shaping your industry.


Why Do I Need a Change-Management Plan?

Rachel Leland

The North American Solar Eclipse will take place in the afternoon of April 8, 2024. But it's not all about the sun and moon — wildlife will react to the celestial event, especially birds. And since the eclipse will take place in April, it coincides with prime time for spring migration.
The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, New YorkThe eclipse's duration of totality will be up to four minutes and 27 seconds, almost double that of the Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017. There are many states that lie in the path of totality from Texas up through Maine — including major forests, parks, wildlife refuges and nature preserves.
Birds in the path of totality have been reported to react in many ways, depending on the species. Most strikingly, nighttime behavior is sometimes triggered.
You don't have to wing it — here are some spots where bird lovers can experience the beauty of the eclipse along with the birds in the path of totality.
Tip: Be an early bird and plan now — the eclipse is anticipated to be a massive travel event.
How Do Birds React? 
Birds in the path of totality have been reported to react in many ways, depending on the species. Most strikingly, nighttime behavior is sometimes triggered. And for migratory birds, their flight altitudes can shift significantly — they'll fly closer to the ground — or even land. And many species will become suddenly quiet, although birds that typically migrate at night very likely start out for their night migration. Nocturnal birds may also emerge as if it is nighttime.
During the August 2107 eclipse, researchers from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the University of Oxford studied radar to observe the behavior of birds (and insects) and published their findings in Biology Letters. They used data from 143 weather radar sites in the continental U.S.
The report's findings included information from eight sites that were within the path of totality where there was complete darkness for a few minutes. At these locations, researchers observed a sudden burst of activity during the moments of totality, such as birds "flushing into the air as a reaction to the sudden darkness."
Southernmost Illinois 
The Cache River State Natural Area, specifically The Cache River Wetlands, is a Ramsar site —a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Cache River Wetlands include three National Natural Landmarks and are home to some of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi River.
The Cache River Wetlands in southernmost IllinoisSouthern Illinois is at the apex of the area of longest duration for viewing the eclipse, which will occur at 12:42 pm on the Cache River.
"The eclipse will be a perfect time for birding in Southernmost Illinois — spring migration and foliage not fully out," says Carol Hoffman, Shawnee Forest Country Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau. "The area shelters 113 state threatened or endangered species and seven federally threatened or endangered species."
More than 250 species of birds are in the Cache River Watershed, including black vultures, bald eagles, pileated woodpeckers, the state-endangered barn owl, snowy egrets, yellow and black-crowned egrets, yellow and black-crowned night herons, great and little blue herons, red-tailed hawks, hooded mergansers and wood ducks.
"Seasonal migrations bring multitudes of waterfowl and shore birds to the area, as well as the occasional osprey, golden eagle and black tern," says Hoffman. "Songbirds are abundant, and over 30 species of warblers can be spotted here, including those with southern affinities such as the yellow-throated, hooded, prairie and prothonotary warblers."
Ohio will be in direct line with the 2024 eclipse, and Dublin is located in the far northwest corner of Franklin County, which is home to 341 species of birds.
Heron Pond, Little Black Slough, Marshall Ridge, Bellrose Overlook, Buttonland Swamp and Eagle Pond (accessible by boat), are ideal spots to witness the eclipse, says Hoffman. And Cache Bayou Outfitters will offer a 4.5 mile eclipse canoe excursion in the wetlands to spy warblers, great blue herons, ospreys, cormorants, egrets, kingfishers and eagles. Expect a presentation from professional naturalist guides, and stories shared pertaining to beliefs and customs surrounding solar and lunar events; sandwiches are included.
Dublin, Ohio 
Ohio will be in direct line with the 2024 eclipse, and Dublin is located in the far northwest corner of Franklin County, which is home to 341 species of birds.
One of Dublin's best birding sites is Kiwanis Riverway Park here, home to 120-plus bird species, including many Neotropical migrants and warbler species, osprey and eagles. The M.L. Red Trabue Nature Reserve is also a Dublin birding spot to check out; home to 117 species, nest boxes around the perimeter of Karrer Pond attract tree swallows and the ponds and marshes are home to a variety of waterfowl. Woodpeckers and cavity-nesting species can often be seen and heard and raptors and vultures can be spotted flying.
Austin, Texas 
The Austin area is home to a handful of LCRA parks located in the eclipse's path of totality.
Black Rock Park is located northwest of Austin along Lake Buchanan in Buchanan Dam. Eclipse enthusiasts and bird watchers can catch a glimpse of little blue herons out on the banks of the lake or a great horned owl up in the trees when the sky darkens. White pelicans, red-tailed hawks and black vultures are also often sighted here. There are campsites in the park and kayak rentals, too, to experience the eclipse out on the water.
Most of the Adirondack region will lie in the path of totality.
About 55 miles northwest of Austin, Shaffer Bend Recreation Area is where you'll find a secluded Texas Hill Country getaway in the town of Marble Falls. Bird lovers can spot smaller bird species like the lark sparrow, black-chinned hummingbird and Eurasian collared-dove here. 
There are also outdoor and water activities including kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and swimming. Visitors can pitch a tent at one of the 20-plus camping sites or hike up in Amani, the newest luxury glamping option at LCRA parks; the safari-style tent provides air conditioning, a kitchenette and a private restroom with a shower.
Note: Black Rock Park is completely booked for the April 2024 eclipse (but you never know) and there is limited availability at Shaffer Bend.
Kentucky 
The John James Audubon State Park in Henderson has the best of both worlds — it lies in the path of totality with perfect vantage points for world class birding and hiking.
The park features a necklace of trails to spy woodpeckers, warblers and waterfowl, and the Recreation Lake shoreline offers edge space for fishing species like great blue heron, green heron and belted kingfishers. There are also many bluebird nest boxes for Eastern bluebirds, Carolina wrens, Carolina chickadees, and occasionally tree swallows and prothonotary warblers; in spring and summer, these nesting boxes are busy with courtship and nesting activities.
New York 
Most of the Adirondack region will lie in the path of totality. For birding, the Wild Center will be free to the public and host activities and programs including how the sun affects animal and bird life, circadian rhythms and yearly behavior.
Here you'll find an eclipse countdown clock, frequently asked questions and information about events throughout the region.
Indiana 
The solar eclipse will sweep across southern Indiana from the southwest to the north. Every part of the state will experience either 100% totality or 90% totality. Depending on your location in Indiana, the partial eclipse will begin shortly after 1:30 p.m. ET with the total eclipse occurring around 3 p.m. ET.
Indiana is a prime migratory zone, lying within the Mississippi Flyway — birds fly back and forth between the Far Northern Arctic, passing through Central America, to arrive in Argentina. 
As such, Indiana's lakefront experiences staggering spring migratory congregations — the birds take refuge to rest and prepare for the flight over Lake Michigan. And, in spring, many bird species return to Indiana to find mates and raise their young before returning to their wintering grounds farther south.


Bird Enthusiasts, Start Planning for the April 2024 Solar Eclipse

Laurie Bain Wilson

At the end of every year in the past, I anxiously waited to crack open my new daily planner for the coming new year so I could jot down resolutions. I like a clean slate. 
Every year those resolutions tumbled to the bottom of my to-list before I'd finished humming "Auld Lang Syne." Things like, be more disciplined/stop procrastinating, tackle my TBR stack/try a digital sabbatical, and cut out sugar/lose ten pounds/no more than one dessert a day, topped the list year after year.
"I'm thinking more about living for the first time in…well, at least four years"This year, I'm Googling phrases like "Is an advance directive the same as a living will?" "Where is assisted suicide legal?" "What drugs are used in assisted suicides?" When I type the last question into Google, the first thing that comes up is the number "988" and encouragement for me to reach out for support. 
My arm felt heavy, the muscles rippled beneath the skin and my finger strokes on the keyboard weren't landing as efficiently as they once had.
I don't have a solid diagnosis yet. Instead, I have a plethora of odds and ends symptoms, disorders, dysregulation, immunodeficiencies and viruses after I contracted a nasty respiratory illness that lasted for seven weeks at the end of 2019 after a return trip to the Midwest to visit family for the holidays. 
The Downward Spiral 
The downward spiral started with an episode of super ventricular tachycardia a week or so after I was "on the mend." My resting heart rate hit 150 plus beats per minute which began a series of trips to the local emergency room, tests and procedures. That illness triggered a marked decline of my health and was likely the beginning of this chosen end that I'm facing now. 
But then, last March, three years after that first trip to the ER, I noticed weakness in my right forearm while I was working from home one afternoon. My arm felt heavy, the muscles rippled beneath the skin and my finger strokes on the keyboard weren't landing as efficiently as they once had. Words were missing letters…Knoledge. Languge. Mariage. Muscles spasmed. 
The next few months brought resting tremors, and trouble swallowing. My speech became sluggish in the evenings when I was most fatigued. I started to struggle with short-term memory, mixed up words in conversation, and it felt like words I used frequently had been stowed on shelves in my brain and I could no longer reach them. 
I'm doing things like leaving the kitchen with the faucet running, burners on, and recently, I put a container of yogurt in the drawer with my Pyrex lids.  
'Maybe ALS' 
In August, my rheumatologist referred me to a neurologist — my life inundated with ologists. Immunologist. Gastroenterologist. Rheumatologist. Neurologist. He suspected that rather than an autoimmune disease, a neuromuscular disorder was the root cause of many of my symptoms including the weakness, tremors and autonomic dysregulation which caused functions like heart rate, blood pressure and temperature to become unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous. 
Now, after most physical exertions, like taking a mildly warm shower, my body temperature spikes to 102-104 degrees, my heart races to 130-150 plus beats per minute.  
"Maybe ALS," the rheumatologist said. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. A terminal diagnosis. 
Thus far, ALS can't be ruled out with certainty as a diagnosis, but it also hasn't been confidently diagnosed at this point in the MRIs, EMGs and blood draws. I'm being referred to another neurologist for further evaluation. According to the ALS Therapy Development Institute, some patients initially receive a "suspected, possible, probable, or definite ALS" diagnosis as other disorders and diseases are ruled out. 
I think in terms of quality of life, and regardless of which of those diagnoses the doctors land on, my decision to end my physical, cognitive and emotional suffering remains the same.
On paper, ALS is the worst-case scenario in terms of outcome with a life expectancy of two to five years depending on the progression of each individual patient. Best-case scenario, this myriad of symptoms, this failure of my fifty-two-year-old body, is that my faulty, gone-rogue immune system that has already attacked my other organs — lungs, liver and spleen — has started its assault on my brain causing inflammation and/or deterioration. 
A Decision Made 
This brain that I've filled with ten years of study in higher education, ideas for essays, books yet to be written, language, memories of my children, their children, my parents when we were all much younger — has been damaged. There is no way to know if there's any hope of recovering what's been lost. But now, I think in terms of quality of life, and regardless of which of those diagnoses the doctors land on, my decision to end my physical, cognitive and emotional suffering remains the same.
I haven't officially told my family, many of those relationships are estranged/strained, and, even as a child, I oft communicated in writing. As a child, I asked my mother if she was mad at me on lined steno pages left on the kitchen table, asked her to check yes or no. 
I've written letter after letter to my husband throughout our nearly-twenty-year marriage — in the beginning, letters of love and wanting, more recently, letters of request and reflection. I'm sorry you ended up with a sick wife. 
I have expressed my frustration and fatigue with being sick for so long to some members of my family, said things like "This isn't sustainable," or "I'm not sure how much longer I can do this." But they are of the mindset that I need to get out more, that I can somehow right the ship of my sick and fledgling body with positivity. Even my husband has talked to me about the power of "mind over matter." Those are all different conversations. 
On my worst days, I'm frequently utilizing my newly-purchased rollator after being humbled by several trips and a few falls.
Now, I have to try to take a short walk or do some sort of activity after every meal to help my stomach empty itself of its contents, lest the gastroparesis cause the food to stagnate and form a solid mass in my gut. On my worst days, I'm frequently utilizing my newly-purchased rollator after being humbled by several trips and a few falls. Some days, I struggle to feed myself and swallow food and drink, regardless of consistency. 
While my brain and my body continue to weaken, I think about the trivial, everyday things like not being able to make and pour my own coffee, think about how my hands are no longer strong enough to hold one of my beloved coffee mugs that I've collected over the years from my children or from pottery-making friends. 
I can no longer stand in the kitchen for extended periods while I make doughs and roll them into glazed and streusel-ed pastries or stir a pan of homemade hot fudge that I gift to friends and neighbors. I worry that my arms won't hold my new granddaughter expected in the spring. 
Leaning Into End-of-Life Plans 
On a grander, more humiliating scale, I've wet myself more than once trying to maneuver my faltering, quivering body out of bed in the morning. As my speech slurs with fatigue and my word recall is failing, I think about the joy I've always found in oral communication — it's how I connect with the world around me. I'm a storyteller, a teacher, a talker. The idea of losing these things that make me me is unbearable, as it is for anyone diagnosed with a debilitating and potentially terminal disease. 
See a meteor shower. I checked this one off the list.
I am leaning into these end-of-life plans, engaging both the creative and Type A aspects of who I am. I am taking online art classes, learning to sketch, to paint, trying to teach myself to knit while simultaneously writing my care plan, getting my "final wishes" down on paper. "Final Wishes" is such an odd statement. I imagine genies seduced from bottles and how you can't "put the genie back" once it's freed and am reminded of the permanence of my decision. 
Making Lists 
I don't like the term "bucket list," but I've been making one —well, part bucket list, part to-do list. In my mind, I've divided this into three parts: places to see/go, things to do, things to no longer do. The list has things like:
Places to see/go:
1.     See the northern lights in Maine, hike while I'm there.
2.     See fall foliage somewhere in the northeast. One more time.
3.     Visit another country. I've settled on Algonquin Park in Canada's Ontario province. Stargaze, see the northern lights from there too.
Things to do: 
1.     Go camping. Sleep connected to the earth. 
2.     See a meteor shower. I checked this one off the list.
3.     Plant a garden.
4.     Collect and compile recipes for my kids, make care packages for each one with sentimental items.
5.     Finish/sell my book.
6.     Write letters to loved ones. See loved ones.
Things to no longer do:
1.     No more offering myself up to those who aren't interested in genuine loving/considerate relationships.
2.     No more hating myself for the past. I want to love the life I lived, flawed as it was in many ways. 
3.     No more finishing books that I don't like. 
It's been four years now, counting that lengthy viral illness. I'm tired. I reached the decision to end my suffering after much thought and consideration. I don't know exactly when, but I'm close to settling on an assisted end-of-life plan. 
But now, instead of wondering how my disease/s and decompensation will progress, worrying about the logistics of needing a greater level of care, I'm thinking more about living for the first time in…well, at least four years, maybe more. I'm seeking joy, love and kindness and looking for everyday opportunities to pour those things back out into the world around me. 
Some days, I'm successful and other days, I'm not. I'm not a gracious sick person. But in all of this, I'm grateful that in planning for my death, I've finally learned what's important to me…finally learned how to live. 


How Planning My Death at 52 Helped Me Learn More About How I Wanted to Live

S.C. Beckner

No matter how big (or small) your backyard is, you have room to garden for wildlife, especially butterflies. Butterflies need just four things to survive: food, water, shelter and a place to lay eggs. You can provide every essential element in your yard or on a porch, patio or balcony with a few minor tweaks.
Creating a butterfly sanctuary is a fun and easy way to contribute to wildlife conservation. It also provides opportunities to engage in activities like butterfly watching and citizen science. All you have to do is sit at your window or step into your backyard!
A variegated fritillary on a black-eyed susanNectar-Producing Plants for Butterflies 
Most adult butterflies feed on nectar, which they sip from flowers. Some butterfly species have a preferred nectar plant, but most will drink from any accessible nectar source. Butterflies are attracted to the colors yellow, orange, red, pink and purple but can drink from most flowers with short tubes.
No-fuss annuals like zinnias also make a great addition to a butterfly garden, especially if you are growing flowers in a container on a porch, patio or balcony
Native milkweeds, blazing stars, goldenrods, thistles and asters are all examples of nectar plants for butterflies. These flowers are excellent choices for a backyard sanctuary because they're easy to grow, perennial (return year after year) and attract many butterfly species. They are also beneficial to other pollinators and birds.
No-fuss annuals like zinnias also make a great addition to a butterfly garden, especially if you are growing flowers in a container on a porch, patio or balcony. Zinnias grow for a single season and come in all colors, shapes and sizes. For more tips on the best nectar plants for your region, consult your local nursery or check out the free native plant guides from the non-profit Xerces Society.
A silver-spotted skipper on a zinniaMost nectar-producing flowers can be planted in the ground, in raised garden beds, or in appropriately sized containers. When planting flowering perennials and annuals, try to stagger plantings or look for flowers that bloom at different times in the spring, summer and fall to provide nectar throughout the butterfly season. Planting the flowers in a sunny spot with six or more hours of sun per day is also helpful since butterflies prefer feeding in warm places.
Host Plants for Butterflies 
Female butterflies lay eggs on host plants, including trees, shrubs, grasses, herbs, milkweeds and flowers. Some butterflies will only lay their eggs on a particular type of host plant. For example, monarchs prefer to lay eggs on milkweed plants since monarch caterpillars only eat milkweed and some native honeyvines.
Milkweeds are often a good choice for small spaces because they double as nectar and host plants.
When choosing host plants for your butterfly sanctuary, consider which regional butterfly species you are trying to attract, which plants are native to your area, and which plants will work best in your landscape. You can target your efforts to a specific type of butterfly or look for plants that support the greatest number of species.  
Trees are a beneficial choice if you have a large yard. Some oaks support more than 500 butterfly and moth species, and other trees, such as cherries, willows, birches and poplars, also serve as host plants for a wide range of butterflies. Milkweeds are often a good choice for small spaces because they double as nectar and host plants. However, you will want to choose milkweed that is native to your region. 
A butterfly sanctuary with native plantsFor example, butterfly milkweed is native to the Northeast and Southeast, showy milkweed is native to the West and antelope horn milkweed is native to the South Central United States. The free butterfly host plant finder on the National Wildlife Federation website will help you identify butterflies and their host plants in your zip code.
Water for Butterflies
Butterflies can't land on water. They get moisture and minerals by sipping water from muddy soil. This behavior is known as "puddling." You can create a puddling area for your butterfly sanctuary by filling a shallow dish (e.g., a pie plate or flower pot saucer) with sand or compost and a little water. Place the puddling dish in a sunny spot near some flowers and keep it moist. A shallow dish filled with minimal water and lots of rocks as landing spots can also provide butterflies and insects with a place to drink.
Shelter for Butterflies
Butterflies seek shelter at night and in inclement weather. They may hide under umbrella-like leaves or in rock crevices. You can ensure butterflies have a place to go by providing ornamental grasses, sturdy shrubs, or small rock gardens in your sanctuary. They also like flat rocks in open areas so they can bask in the sun in fair weather.
Monitoring Butterfly Activity 
There are more than 17,500 butterfly species in the world. About 750 of them are present in the United States. You can learn how to identify the butterflies in your backyard by picking up a field guide for your region. Free apps like Seek from iNaturalist can also help you identify new butterflies. Just take a picture of the butterfly with your phone or camera and upload it to the app to find out what kind of butterfly you are looking at and whether or not anyone else has seen one in your area. 
A cabbage white on dame's rocketMonitoring the activity in your backyard sanctuary is a fun way to learn more about butterflies and discover which flowers, plants and areas they like best. A nature journal, or even a basic notebook, is an excellent way to record your observations. If you'd like to store your list of sightings online or contribute to wildlife and conservation research, you can submit observations and photos to eButterfly, an online database of butterfly sightings.
You can find more formal butterfly monitoring programs through the North American Butterfly Monitoring Network, which lists programs by state and region. If you have monarch butterflies in your butterfly sanctuary, you can participate in the Monarch Watch Tagging Program, a large-scale community science project launched in 1992 to research butterfly migration.
Maintaining Your Butterfly Sanctuary 
To maintain your butterfly sanctuary, water plants regularly, especially if plants are new or struggling in the summer heat. Avoid insecticides in your butterfly sanctuary and the surrounding area. The ingredients are designed to kill insects and can be lethal to butterflies and other pollinators. Herbicides are also harmful. Butterflies that come into contact with weed killers may be unable to lay viable eggs.
An Eastern tiger swallowtail on native thistleAs the years go by, you may need to fertilize or amend the soil in your butterfly garden. You will also want to thin out plants that have become too crowded and remove any invasive plants that find their way into your garden beds. If you would like to mulch, consider using shredded dead leaves. They will enrich the soil, help it retain moisture and protect perennial plants from cold winter temperatures.


Creating a Butterfly Sanctuary in Your Backyard

Anna Champagne

Nature journaling is a centuries-old method of recording thoughts and observations about the natural world. It typically involves observing something in nature, such as a plant, animal or landscape, and drawing or writing about it in a dedicated sketchbook or journal.
A photo taken by the author during a nature walk. Although nature journals are thought of as the tools of naturalists and scientists, they can help everyone experience the natural world in a creative and meaningful way. By observing, recording and reflecting on your surroundings, you can develop a deeper connection with nature and a better understanding of the natural world. 
Nature journaling can also serve as a springboard to other satisfying activities like nature walks, wildlife watching, citizen science, poetry, painting and travel sketching.
Nature Journaling Tips 
Nature journaling is an excellent way to strengthen your observation skills and learn about something new. As you observe objects in nature, ask questions about what you see. What is it? How does it work? Why is it unusual? Where is it? When will it change? Write down the questions or answers in your nature journal to enhance your memory and make a record of the observation.
Try to depict textures, tastes, sounds and scents you experienced in addition to drawing or describing what you saw.
You can also use nature journaling to reflect on your experiences and express your creativity. As you study something in nature, think about how it makes you feel and then express your feelings through drawing, painting, poetry, prose, scientific notes or even just a list of words (amazed, enchanted, delighted). 
It can be tempting to focus only on what you see when making entries in your nature journal. Instead, try to depict textures, tastes, sounds and scents you experienced in addition to drawing or describing what you saw. This will help you immerse yourself in your surroundings and portray the whole multi-sensory experience in your journal entry.

The most important thing to remember when nature journaling is perfection doesn't matter. A nature journal is meant to be a record of your time in nature, not an award-winning work of art. Many of your sketches won't come out the way you planned, but that's okay. 
Daily weather entries from the author's nature journalIt is better to focus on what you draw and write rather than how you draw and write. Getting your observations, thoughts, and feelings down on paper is more important than pretty pictures, flawless penmanship or perfect spelling.
Nature Journaling Materials 
One of the best things about nature journaling is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. You can use whatever materials work best for you. Many people start small with just a pencil and a sketchbook. Other common nature journaling materials include pens, colored pencils, markers, watercolors, rubber stamps, glue sticks, magazine clippings and pressed flowers.
Additional supplies can also be helpful, depending on the topic of your nature journal. For example, binoculars and magnifying tools can help you get a closer look at wildlife; field guides can help you identify birds, plants and insects; and measuring tools can help you quantify observations and represent proportions and scale.

Technology and apps can also help you navigate the natural world and create journal entries. Cameras are great for capturing an image of a landscape or organism you'd like to study later. Mobile phones and other devices work well for recording sound or video that can be analyzed later. Free apps can help you learn more about what you see or experience outdoors.
The Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell Lab of Ornithology identifies birds based on descriptions, photos or sounds.The Seek app created by iNaturalist uses image recognition technology to locate and identify wildlife, plants and fungi.The Windy app provides detailed local weather forecasts and worldwide wind reports for outdoor enthusiasts.Nature Journal Prompts 
The following journal prompts for nature walks, birdwatching, daily weather observations, backyard gardening and other everyday activities can help you get started on your nature journal.
A nature journal is meant to be a record of your time in nature, not an award-winning work of art. 
Take a nature walk. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells as you walk down your chosen trail. Identify interesting discoveries along the way. Then, draw a map of your route and note where each discovery was located. Use drawings, text-based labels or embellishments (like magazine clippings or stickers) to represent each item, animal, place or moment.Sit at a window overlooking a bird feeder or find a comfortable spot outside and watch birds. Identify them by name if you can. Listen to the sounds they are making. Then, focus on just one bird. Draw the bird, using as much detail as you can. Listen to the bird's song. Is it loud, barely audible or high-pitched? Does it sound like a buzz, whistle or trill? Use thick, thin, straight, sloping and wavy lines to create a sound diagram representing the song.A map from the author's nature journalSpend 5-10 minutes each day outside or at a window observing the weather. Then, record the weather conditions in your nature journal. Note the temperature and humidity, the amount of cloud cover, the wind speed, the presence or lack of precipitation and any other observations you make. Then, make notes about the impact of changing weather patterns on you or the environment.Grow a plant in your window, on your patio or in a garden bed. Use text and drawings to record its progress in your nature journal. Note its size, shape, scent, texture and color. Identify any insects or other organisms that interact with the plant. Compare the plant's journey to a journey you experienced in your life.  Select a natural object, such as a leaf, flower, rock or pinecone. Study it, and determine what color it is. Be specific. The object may seem green at first, but upon further examination, you may notice many different types of green — from light green to forest green. Then, use colored pencils, crayons, markers or watercolors to represent the colors of the object in your journal.Find something that interests you in nature. Write down what you know about it. Then, create a list of things you would like to know. Use your questions to guide future nature observations.

Using a Nature Journal To Connect With Your Surroundings

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