One of the simplest ways to build a sense of belonging is to get to know your neighbors. There's something grounding about being able to say hello by name to the kids across the street, the couple next door, or the little lady who likes to sit on her porch and knit on cooler evenings. But few people take the time to get to know the names of the plants and critters on their blocks. It's incredibly simple, takes little effort, and is every bit as rewarding as knowing the name of the guy who is perpetually restoring that old car two doors down. Knowing the names of the denizens of our neighborhoods has been part of our story for millennia, and learning to distinguish the cheer of a Cardinal from the cheer-up of a Robin, and the leaves of an Oak from those of a Maple helps us to feel connected to our place and the rest of its many members.

If you've not yet been introduced to your floral and faunal neighbors, here are a few basic first steps:

1. Start simple. Learn common birds and trees in your area before trying to recognize every mammal, insect, and flower. Depending on where you live, such a task could quickly become overwhelming. Since there are likely not a huge number or variety of trees in your neighborhood, and since they tend to stay put, you should be able to familiarize yourself with them fairly quickly. Same goes for songbirds; although, they are apt to be less static. Those of you who are blessed to live in the country, however, will likely have much more diverse neighbors than those of us in the city or the suburbs.
2. Purchase two basic guide books. I recommend David Allen Sibley's Guide to Birds and Guide to Trees. They are beautifully illustrated and easy to navigate. Also, bookmark Cornell's online bird guide, All About Birds. It provides a staggering amount of information - images, range maps, life histories, videos, audio of songs, etc. A fantastic resource. 
3. Keep the guides and a notebook next to an oft-visited window. Take time every day or week to make simple lists of the birds in your yards, the changing characteristics of your trees, etc. You'll begin to notice, usually within five or six weeks, how the seasons are unfolding all around you. You'll note the changing plumage of the Starlings from late-Spring to mid-Summer, mark the development and fall of fruit from the various trees, when and how they begin to change colors, and more easily recognize the difference between the temporary migratory visitors and those birds which live near you year round. 
4. Take walks around your block for no other reason than to become familiar with your new neighbors. Or newly recognized, I should say. Chances are that you're the new kid on the block. At first you may want to take one or the other of your guide books with you on these walks. When you see a tree or bird that you don't automatically recognize, stop, listen, look. Don't rush to open up the book, but give them your attention for a few moments. Touch the tree and get a feel for its bark. Pick up a leaf and turn it over in your hands. Listen to the birds call and song, and notice some of its distinctive marks. Then turn to your guide to find its name.