Last week's email tip focused on helping to "Save The Songbirds." The day after that message went out, I got a little reminder from my friends at Moody Gardens in Galveston that this is also the "Year of the Bat."

Moody Gardens is doing everything possible in 2012 to help focus global attention on this endangered species. They will have opportunities for the public to get involved in helping these often overlooked animals that play an important role in our environment.

The United Nations has also declared 2012 as International Year of the Bat, and Bat Conservation International (BCI) is a partner in the observance.

What would the world be like without bats? We could find out sooner than we think. BCI statistics show more than 50 percent of American bat species are in severe decline or are already listed as endangered. Losses are occurring at alarming rates worldwide. They are also the slowest reproducing mammals on earth for their size, most producing only one pup annually.

Bats are more essential than you may realize. They help maintain healthy ecosystems and economies. They consume huge quantities of crop-destroying agricultural pests, disperse seeds to replenish rain forests, and pollinate countless plants. The loss of just a single species could have ramifications throughout the environment. Such a loss would increase the demand for chemical pesticides, jeopardizing whole ecosystems or other animal and plant species.

"These animals help maintain our ecosystem and are even important in large metropolitan areas such as Houston," said Moody Gardens Assistant Curator/Registrar Paula Kolvig. "Year of the Bat will give Moody Gardens the opportunity to highlight the importance of protecting these animals and will show visitors different conservation efforts they can do as well."

Bats need more help than ever. Since 2006, millions of hibernating bats have died from a disease known as white-nose syndrome (WNS), which is caused by a cold-loving white fungus typically found on the faces and wings of infected bats. WNS causes bats to awaken more often during hibernation and use up stored fat reserves that are needed to get them through the winter. Infected bats often emerge from hibernation too soon and are seen flying around in midwinter. These bats usually freeze or starve to death.

To aid in fundraising and awareness efforts, Moody Gardens will host "Bats Are Doin' It" on Feb. 11. This special event will feature guest speaker James Eggers, BCI director of education. For more information, see batcon.org/yotb or call Moody Gardens at 1-800-582-4673.

Normally, when I get a public relations pitch asking for GardenLine's help with a charitable concern, I read it with a bit of skepticism. After working in the media for nearly 30 years, I often first assume it's an attempt by some multinational company to look good. But when I see genuine concern and rightous reasons for a company to be involved with a charitable cause, I get excited about sharing the information with you. That's why I'm happy to tell you about a partnership that will help our songbirds ... and the environment.

Due mainly to loss of habitat, today's songbird populations are in serious decline. And in states like Texas, drought has added to the problem. In fact, I'll bet you didn't know that certain bird populations in some parts of the country have declined by as much as 80 percent! With all of today's other environmental concerns, it's easy to understand why this serious issue has been overlooked by many. That's why Scotts Songbird Selections, which I have endorsed for some time, is working with the National Wildlife Federation in a new program called Save the Songbirds.

Working together, and ultimately with your help, the partnership's goal is to save a million songbirds by creating 50,000 acres of backyard habitats nationwide. There are four simple things we all can do to help:

1. Provide food for birds by growing native plants and adding feeders to your landscape. And instead of buying the cheapest bird food available, provide high-quality nutrition such as Scott's Songbird Selections, especially their new Nutri Thrive.
2. Provide water for birds with ponds, birdbaths and other water sources. You'll help counter the severe losses from last year's drought and give birds a place to drink and take a bath.
3. Create some shelter with native plants, trees and larger shrubs that help provide cover from predators and harsh weather.
4. Help create some nests by building bird houses and placing them by trees and shrubs. You'll be providing places for songbirds to raise their young.

And if you can't assist in those ways, you can contribute some money. Now, you could just whip out your checkbook (which is fine by me) and make a nice donation to Save the Songbirds. But you can also simply buy some Scott's Songbird Selections' new Nutri Thrive. For every bag you buy, Scott's will donate a dollar to the program. (You'll find a coupon for $2 off Nutri Thrive RIGHT HERE.)

I've already got plenty of native Texas plants in my back yard, and I have ample water sources for wildlife, so I could say I'm doing my part. In fact, I have committed three of my 15 acres of land to this program, and you can make a similar pledge at the website. But, I will be also be making a financial donation. If you can too, the quicker we'll be helping to Save The Songbirds.