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Each area of this country has its own native wildlife. As towns, villages and cities developed and spread across the land, free-flying birds, butterflies and other wildlife were displaced.
To revitalize this population, you can start by making your backyard or property a viable home. This will not only encourage a generous return of native wildlife, but will afford you and your family a first hand view of nature at it’s best, all year-round.
Certain trees and foliage will attract particular species. Perhaps, you already have a few trees and shrubs in the area you will be transforming. Determine what types these are, so that you may add where needed, or remove, if necessary. Your local nursery should be of help here.
A sketch or mapping of this will give you a blueprint from which to start the design of your habitat. Take in to account walkways, fencing, patios, existing plantlife and even powerlines that may interfere with vertical growth.
Limited space should not be a deterrent. Even container plantings can provide a viable refuge, for a sampling of your native wildlife.
Bear in mind the potential for your planting beds. Placement should be determined by the size at maturity, thereby creating a balanced effect. Consulting a plant hardiness zone map, found in most garden catalogs will give geographically specific planting schedules.
Identifying high ground, low or wet sites, shaded areas and that which receives full sun, gives perspective as to what types of planting you want and where to place it. Also, consider the effects of prevailing winds in determining placement.
Variety is key. Planting of tall trees, small trees, shrubs and annuals in a layered effect will meet the needs of many species. There are birds that will enjoy roosting in tree tops, yet nest in lower, more dense shrubs. Your goal is to provide food, escape cover, summer nesting, roosting sites and winter shelter.
Summer fruiting plants that produce May through August will attract brown thrashes, robins, cardinals, woodpeckers and thrushes. Vines, such as, native grapes, cypress and honeysuckle provide excellent perches, nesting and food.
Dogwoods, buffalo-berries and mountain ash, which are Fall fruiting plants, are a great resource for migratory birds, which build up fat reserves for their journey.
Seasons change and so will the population that inhabits your backyard reserve. Select plant varieties that will provide a year-round supply of nutritious foods and cover. The American Cranberry bush and the Winterberry Holly are excellent choices, as they provide not only wonderful fruit for your new little friends, but add an attractive scene in
winter.
Crabapple, American highbrush, snowberry, sumacs and Chinaberry are hardier types that can stand up against cold, harsh weather. These will meet the wintering needs of non-migratory birds.
An array of pines, with their thick needles are excellent for providing safe and protective areas of nesting and resting sites. Spruces, firs, aborvitae, junipers, cedars and yews are also workable choices.
Elderberries, serviceberries and dogwoods make for an excellent natural fence, attracting even more of your native visitors.
Grasses and legumes are an important consideration, for those species that require ground nesting and cover. Native prairie grasses are an excellent addition.
A means of initially attracting wildlife and supplementing food, while your habitat grows into its own, is the placement of one or more feeders. In doing so, take in to consideration access of these to predators.
Now that you have provided the perches, nesting and food areas, don’t forget the most important dietary need, water. For nourishment as well as bathing, a bird bath or two, a frog pond or water garden is the perfect addition to your world of nature. Birds love dripping, splashing and moving water.
Want to attract butterflies? Nectar plants, goldenrod, lupine, aster, paintbrush, clover, delphiniums, fuchsia, bee balm, aster and azalea arranged in a meadow like setting will attract and maintain a good variety of butterfly.
Finally, the use of pesticides and herbicides should be addressed. It is imperative to read all labels and instructions and follow them. Some may be detrimental to the wildlife you are encouraging.
Suggested Reading List:
Diekelmann, J. and C. 1982. Natural Landscaping. McGraw Hill Publ.
Henderson, Carol L. 1987. Landscaping For Wildlife. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Terres, John K. 1987. Songbirds on Your Garden. Harper and Row Publ.
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