Support Your Local Wildlife with an Inviting Backyard Habitat
Sunday, October 25th, 2009A wildlife habitat is a combination of food, water, shelter, and space arranged to meet the needs of wildlife. Even a small yard can be landscaped to attract birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, and small animals. Trees, shrubs, and other plants provide shelter and food for a variety of wildlife.
The plants you use to provide food and cover will play a large part in determining the specific wildlife species that might be attracted to your backyard. Adding nesting boxes, feeders, and watering sites, such as fountains and garden ponds, can greatly improve the habitat.
Planning is an important step in providing an attractive and productive wildlife habitat. Keep in mind that you have both a horizontal area to work with (the size of your yard) as well as a vertical area that stretches from the ground to the treetops. The vertical area is composed of four distinct zones: — the canopy formed by the tallest tree branches — understory vegetation consisting of smaller trees, shrubs, and vines — the floor which is often dominated by low-growing ground covers, and — the basement where a variety of organisms exist in the soil. Different wildlife species favor each of these zones, so a wide range of habitats can be provided on even a small piece of land.