Virginians can do a lot to protect natural lands. Just look at Al Savitzky.

Savitzky, an Old Dominion University biologist, says people should live closer together, near city centers, to reduce the development of open spaces.

He and his wife, Barbara, also a biologist, live in Norfolk about 11/2 miles from Savitzky's office.

"Even though as biologists we would like to live closer to wildlife, we also felt we need to make decisions that favor the environment," Savitzky said.

Another option: Owners can sell or donate development rights to their land. The owners can possess the land and protect it at the same time.

The owners don't have to give up all rights. They could, for example, retain the right to develop five houses instead of 20. Or they could continue to farm the land. Agreements can be structured to fit the owners' desires.

And a person who donates development rights may get a tax deduction for making a charitable contribution.

Doug Gray, a lobbyist for the Virginia Association of Realtors, applauded these options because they are not forced by government. "We are in favor of incentives to protect open space."

Experts suggested other ways people can help preserve wildlife habitats and limit sprawl:

Support housing that clusters homes and preserves adjoining forests.

Lobby to retain wooded areas in new developments, plus natural land connecting forests and fields.

Manage yards in ways that help wildlife. Replace some grass with native plants and trees.

Leave dead trees if they don't pose a health hazard. Many birds and small animals will use them for homes.

Consider putting in a small pond.

Make sure garbage cans are tight so they don't provide dinners for raccoons and opossums, which prey on songbirds and other small animals.

Keep your cat inside, or at least watch it when it's outside.