greenliving
Shelter: Adding natural elements to the landscape provides
the best shelter. Dense trees and shrubs make excellent nest-
ing sites and cover for birds and small mammals. Prune with
caution. Rock piles, brush piles and dense ground cover also
provide protection for reptiles, amphibians and ground birds.
Of course, wildlife areas are no place for manmade chemi-
cals or wandering pets.
Food Sources: Vegetation plays multiple roles. Plants can
be both host to eggs and larval foods for butterflies; produce
food sources such as acorns, nuts, berries and seeds for vari-
ous wildlife; or attract insects that are food for birds, reptiles
or frogs.
Native plants are the best choice for local wildlife. They
require less fertilizer, water and pest control, which helps pre-
vent the contamination of soil and water runoff.
Feeders: Supplemental food sources can be supplied by
using feeders for birds or squirrels. Keeping feeders clean is
another key facet of safe shelter.
Water: All wildlife needs a clean water supply for drinking.
Many also use water to bathe, clean their food or breed. A
lake, pond or wetland can be the most exciting element in a
GARDENING
wildlife garden, because of the wildlife it attracts. Water sup-
plies can be supplemented with birdbaths or mini-ponds.
Even shallow saucers of water placed on the ground or low-
FOR WILDLIFE
lying puddle areas will serve as welcome water sources for
some wildlife.
Places to Raise Young: Many of the same elements that
Fostering Nature’s Magic
provide shelter also provide places for wildlife to raise their
young. Mature trees, dense shrubs, fallen logs, hollow trees
and dens in the ground are good nesting locations for many
by Betsy S. Franz
animals. Larval host plants may be provided as places for
nourishing young in a butterfly garden. Nesting boxes and
platforms, bat boxes and toad abodes also make intriguing
F
or me, it was my first glimpse of a hummingbird that did
it. For others, it may be the beauty of butterflies or the
additions to a yard habitat.
joyful music of songbirds or a frog chorus. Some people
Whatever the size, any backyard or garden space can
love to sit and watch the playful antics of squirrels scamper-
contain some of each of the three essential habitat elements
ing through the trees. Whatever the reason or season,
for wildlife. Whether we plant a tree for local bird nesting,
America’s gardeners and backyard enthusiasts are learning
create a modest butterfly garden, eliminate chemicals or
that one of the most enjoyable ways to take care of their
choose to leave a small corner of native plants for wildlife,
share of the planet is to create a wildlife-friendly landscape
each small decision is a step in the right direction for preserv-
surrounding their home.
ing the natural beauty of the world around us.
It is hard to deny the magic that wildlife adds to a
It’s also a lovely thing to do for ourselves and our fami-
domestic landscape. Providing hardy habitat for garden
lies. When we catch a quick glimpse of a fluttering humming-
creatures allows us to help the environment while granting
bird or watch the transformation of a caterpillar from
close-up views of nature that can restore a childlike sense of
chrysalis to butterfly, and realize that we played a part in their
wonder in anyone fortunate enough to visit the private,
journey, we discover that providing habitat for wildlife adds
peaceable kingdom of which we are the caretakers.
as much to our lives as it does to theirs.
Most experts list the three most basic elements neces-
To play a role in the preservation of butterflies, songbirds
sary for any wildlife-friendly landscape as food, water and
or even a regional endangered species is a miraculous feel-
shelter. Note that shelter is not synonymous with abode,
ing, and one we’ll want to nurture.
such as a birdhouse or bunny hut. When it comes to
wildlife, we need to think of the complete picture and
Betsy S. Franz is a freelance writer and photographer special-
ensure “safety first.” For example, luring wildlife to a garden
izing in the environment and may be reached at
that contains pesticides or wandering house pets can do
NaturesDetails.net. She developed Project Backyard Brevard
more harm than good. The goal is to provide refuge, a place
in Brevard County, FL to help residents maintain natural habi-
that provides nourishing, restful and safe shelter for visiting
tat based on National Wildlife Federation principles (see
wildlife.
nwf.org/backyard).
32 Houston
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