Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Create Food, Water, Shelter, and Space for Wildlife in your Backyard
By providing the four basics of wildlife management: food, water, shelter, and space; you will be rewarded with hours of viewing pleasure.
You don't have to be a wildlife biologist in order to create and maintain a home for wildlife species in your backyard. Think basic – food, water, shelter, and space. These are the fundamental elements you will use when adopting your wildlife plan on your yard or property. Other factors that you need to consider are how much land is available for your project and what type of species you are trying to attract.
Essential One: Food
Many native plant, shrub, and tree species will provide rich and nutritious food sources for the wildlife in your area. Wildlife have evolved along with their food sources, and many species rely on these sources because they will not utilize non-native plant species for their habitat requirements. Check with your state's department of natural resources for the native plants in your area.
Essential Two: Water
Providing water may be as simple as putting up a bird bath or as complex as installing a pond. If you have a pond, river, or lake in your area, keep this in mind as you plan. You may be able to provide the food, shelter, and space part of the equation and attract wildlife to your yard.
Essential Three: Shelter
All species need shelter. Shelter is used for nesting and providing safety from the elements. Brush piles are good for smaller species, while tracts of conifers or scrubby woodlots can be utilized for larger species such as deer. Don't forget about the smaller shelter areas either, like fallen logs for salamanders and insects.
Essential Four: Space
Providing space is contingent on how much land you have available. But if you have a neighbor that is also interested in attracting wildlife you can easily pool your resources. Also consider larger sections of land near your yard. Wildlife may travel corridors (power or fence lines) to get to the habitat you have provided. But be careful! If wildlife have to cross a road to get to the habitat you have provided you may have created a dangerous situation.
Diversity of Habitat
If you have a fair amount of land you are willing to change and maintain for wildlife habitat you can attract many types of wildlife species. But this requires creating many different habitat types such as grasslands and woodlands. The more diverse the habitat types the more species you will be able to attract. But even if you have a simple backyard you still will be able to attract an abundance of species if you are willing to investigate and learn what is needed for wildlife survival. For specific questions regarding wildlife management and habitat restoration, contact the US Fish and Wildlife Service, or your state's department of natural resources.
