Nature Lovers Mike and Leslie Larson bring Wild Birds to Gainesville BY FRANNIE BARNES | PHOTOS BY KARA THORPE
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ild Birds Unlimited is a franchise of stores whose mission is to “bring people and nature together.” The stores offer a variety of bird food, feeders, houses and baths and they are dedicated to helping turn your yard into a bird habitat that benefits the environment but also brings wild birds and, in turn, songs, color and joy to your home. And we are lucky enough to now have our very own Wild Birds at Madison Crescent in Gainesville. Owners Mike and Leslie Larson know a thing or two about birds. They’ve always been outdoorsy types, both love riding horses and hiking, and Michael’s passion for photography created the perfect partnership of spending time observing and capturing nature. This love of the outdoors led them to research how to bring local nature into their own backyard. Over the past handful of years they’ve transformed their home into a National Wildlife Federation certified property that is full of exclusively native plants which means the flora on their property are beneficial to our ecosystem. Local plants attract local birds and animals. This natural evolution led Michael to become interested in Wild Birds Unlimited. They haven’t always been entrepreneurs. Michael spent his career in IT supporting various government agencies. He always enjoyed coming home and marveling at the beauty in his backyard and after enjoying that part of his day most, he realized it was time for a change. “You always hear people say, ‘do what you love’ and I realized it was time. When I found Wild Birds Unlimited I thought, this can’t be real,” he said. He researched the company and was amazed at the support and education they
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{ OCTOBER 2019 |
HAYMARKET LIFESTYLE
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