Install a Food Truck
If you live north of Florida, there are many free resources from each state’s extension office services for more information. Ask for the Master Gardener program in your state for assistance. They are always happy to help.
If you would like to support her work to do more bird talks (travel isn’t cheap – or tweet), please consider making a donation on the GoFund page. She is looking for sponsors for the winter 2025 talk tours in South Florida and writing a book too (or tweet;)
We’ll be adding more plans online as soon as they are ready.
Food Truck Installation Plans
for the Atlantic Flyway
Beginning in Florida, Tricia will be adding free templates (illustrative and conceptual) native planting plans as a metaphor for a “food truck” for birds on their migration highway in the sky.
The list begins with Florida in the Florida Keys at Mile Marker 0. She has completed the plans for each planting zone in Florida from 11 to zone 8A in the north. Below, she has offered free “quick sheets” with three plants each for each zone to get your started.
The idea is to begin installing at least three plants at each property to form and ecology patch. This is the minimum number of plants to attract birds and food for them.
We do recommend a water source and we are not against bird feeders. They need our help today. So anything we can take action on to get the ball rolling will be appreciated – for us and more importantly the birds.
FLORIDA
THREE NIGHTS “HOTEL”, QVC, & REFRESHMENTS PLEASE 😉
INSTALL THREE SHRUBS
Birds rely on native habitats for food and shelter. And, we are changing the habitats faster than a bird can find the right food for themselves. They learn to recognize food given to them as babies. If they do not know the new plants, they will probably not eat them. If they do not have the fat storage for the trip. They become weaker and less able to make the biannual journey.
In ecology there are several different terms to describe the natural world: patch, corridors, matrix, boundaries, and edges etc. These terms describe the habitat size and function. In this case, we are creating patches of native plants for the birds. Three is a magic number to draw their attention. Native plants provide food and shelter for them. Many birds eat insects. These plants also attract the bugs they love to eat. It’s important to have the native plants because a bird’s diet evolves slowly over many generations. It can take 40 years for a bird to change it’s diet.
We are changing our environment too rapidly.
The migration highway is busy twice a year. This is a radar website BIRD TRACK tracks their movements. BOLA – Be on the lookout for speeding birds on their migration highway in the sky.
SET UP A BIRD BATH
The migration highway is busy twice a year. This is a radar website: Bird Cast tracks their movements. Its a long journey to either South Florida, the Carribean islands, or South America. It takes much energy to survive the trip. Ecologists recommend a “hotel” for three or four nights (aka native trees), water source, and native shrubs for berries or the insects they attract. If you do not care for bugs, then attract the birds. They love to eat them!
SIMPLE BIRD FEEDER
On their 2000 mile journey, the birds need water for bathing and drinking. I would suggest adding a fresh water bird bath to your native planting area. It’s quite entertaining to watch them flitter and fly around a water spray. At his point, I’m not opposed to also offering a small seed bird feeder. I have found that organic sunflower seeds appeal to most species. They do need our help on this journey and it’s not going to happen over night.
Can you spare a small patch of your yard for the wild birds? They offer plenty of morning and evening entertainment. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy my sunrise coffee/tea than watching the birds.
FULL FREE ILLUSTRATED PLANTING PLAN
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. It’s unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. With a specific plan, you will have a greater opportunity for success.
Keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
If you would like a fully illustrated 11×17 planting plan for your zone, there are two ways to request one. Tricia offers talks in the community teaching people about the importance of birds and plants. If you attend one, she will email you a free plan.
If you would like to make a donation of $15 to this non profit to support the ongoing work, then CLICK HERE to the Florida page for planting plans for each zone in Florida.
Thank you for caring about the birds, trees, and lovely home – Planet Earth.
REFERENCES FOR FLORIDA
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in Monroe and Miami Dade counties. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
NORTH FLORIDA
UF / IFAS Okaloosa Extension Services Page: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/okaloosa/
UF / IFAS Walton Extension Services Page: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/walton/
UF IFAS Santa Rosa Extension Services Page: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/santa-rosa/
UF / IFAS Escambia Extension Services Page: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/escambia/
SOUTH FLORIDA
UF/IFAS Extension Services Page: http://monroe.ifas.ufl.edu
Monroe County Extension Page: http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/131/Extension-Services
Miami / Dade County Extension Page: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/miami-dade/
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
In ecology there are several different terms to describe the natural world: patch, corridors, matrix, boundaries, and edges etc. In this case, we are creating patches of native plants for the birds. Three is a magic number to draw their attention. Native plants provide food and shelter for them. It’s important to have the native plants because a bird’s diet evolves slowly over many generations. It can take 40 years for a bird to change it’s diet.
We are changing our environment too rapidly.
If you can install a “food truck” or a minimum (or more!) native plants and shrubs this fall, they will help the birds now but more importantly in the spring as well.
Tricia has completed the native planting plans for Florida. She is working her way up the US
Highway 1 to Maine. Check back this summer for more planting plans. Her goal is to offer them
and compete this task by the end of 2025. Thank you for your patience. This is her volunteer
effort. It’s completed in her spare change time. If you have an
suggestions, please feel free to email her. She blocks time on Friday afternoons to respond.
Georgia -tba
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the Georgia Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for Georgia
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
South Carolina
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the South Carolina Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for South Carolina
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
North Carolina
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the North Carolina Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for North Carolina
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
Virginia
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the Virginia Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for Virginia
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
West Virginia
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the West Virginia Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for West Virginia
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
Washington DC
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the Washington DC Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for Florida
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
Maryland
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the Maryland Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for Maryland
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
Pennsylvania
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the Pennsylvania Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for Pennsylvania
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
New Jersey
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the New Jersey Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for New Jersey
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
New York State
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the New York Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for New York
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
Connecticut
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the Connecticut Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for Connecticut
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
Delaware
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the Delaware Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for Delaware
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
Massachusetts
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the Massachusetts Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for Massachusetts
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
Vermont
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the Vermont Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for Vermont
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
Maine
The purpose of this website is to provide information to help you get started with planting native trees and shrubs. These are free to download and take to your local nursery. There are also free county resources to help you with the landscape on your property.
Click for the Maine Planting Plans
This website is unique because I am providing directions for each planting zone. Too many books lump all of the plants together for each state. However, keep in mind that plants do have broad ranges too. Be mindful of coastal area plants. They need to tolerate salt spray.
US Highway 1 – Your state’s registered food trucks
The goal of this organization is to provide “food truck installations” along the Atlantic Flyway for birds following the US highway 1 that goes from Key West MM 0 to Maine. Everyone who registers receives a free place on the website (with a number), a sign with donation, and stars on social media.
References for Maine
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Audubon Society has great information as well. It’s not as specific to each planting zone in Florida but I used it for reference material for my research about the birds.
Florida Key Audubon Society has resources too.
Additional Resources:
Most people are not aware of the free (pre-paid with our taxes) the county extension offices in your state’s counties. If you have more specific questions about native plants in your landscape, call them. The master gardeners are super friendly and very helpful.
Aubudon Society has great information as well.
Florida Key Aubudon Society has resources too.