Landscaping to Attract Backyard Wildlife

From Extension Collaborative Wiki

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Food Sources for Wildlife 3 Sources of Water for Wildlife 4 Cover and Shelter for Wildlife 5 Notes

Introduction

Florida has the third most diverse wildlife population of any state in the nation.^[1]

Gardening for wildlife is rapidly increasing in popularity. Home landscapes can help offset the habitat loss that occurs in urban areas. This allows a greater variety of wildlife to live near us. Planning is necessary for attractive and productive wildlife habitat.^[2]

Plants are the key to attracting wildlife to your property. Your plant choices and your landscape design both will determine what animals you will attract. A yard landscaped with wildlife in mind need not appear "wild." A more traditional landscape design also can have great benefits.

There are several considerations to make in gardening for wildlife. A very important one is your choice of plants. In most cases, wildlife do best in landscapes with plants native to the region in which they live. These plants often are better at providing the food and cover that is required.

All animals need:

• Food
• Water
• Cover

Animals will only reside or forage in an area that contains enough of these essential elements to maintain daily activities.

Food Sources for Wildlife

Food for wildlife can include:

1. Fruit
2. Seeds
3. Insects
4. Nectar
5. Larval

These food sources will attract a variety of birds, reptiles, bats, butterflies and other insects.

Remember to provide food year-round, especially in winter.

Sources of Water for Wildlife

Water sources may include a pond, creek or other body of freshwater if such a feature exists in or near your yard. A bird bath that captures rainwater or that you replenish can suffice. Landscaping rocks which are large enough and with a depression can also capture rain water and provide a temporary source of water for wildlife.

Cover and Shelter for Wildlife

Birds are attracted to planted areas that include a tree canopy, smaller understory trees and shrubs, and grasses or flowers, particularly those that are allowed to go to seed on occasion. Meadow grasses can be especially attractive to wildlife, and can add a graceful and unique feature to your landscape.

Snags or dead trees can be left in place if they don't threaten structures or parking areas. Birds use the snags for perches, nesting and sources of insects for food.

Additional information on Habitat for Wildlife is available on this website.

Notes

1. ↑ A Wildlife Sanctuary in Your Yard
2. ↑ Natural Resource Conservation Service, Backyard Habitat Conservation Tip Sheet

The Florida Backyard Landscapes for Wildlife program is an inexpensive program administered by the Florida Wildlife Extension that will help you landscape your property to be more appealing to birds and other wildlife.

The Urban Wildlife Sanctuary Program (UWSP) helps people find a balance between human uses of land and the habitat needs of wildlife.

Use this form to certify a wildlife friendly space in your yard, school, or anywhere in your community National Wildlife Federation: Certify Your Habitat

Backyard Wildlife Habitat Certification Partners

Learn more about the benefits of certifying your yard with the North Carolina Wildlife Federation

• Certify your yard with the National Wildlife Federation and also the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.

Learn more about the benefits of certifying your yard with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

• Certify your yard with the National Wildlife Federation and also the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.