Why Landscape For Wildlife1. Do you enjoy observing nature... hearing the song
of the chickadee... watching hummingbirds fill up
I f you enjoy some of the
activities mentioned above,
you’ll probably want to
on nectar from trumpet vines... listening to the landscape your property for
wildlife so you can experience
chattering of squirrels... seeing the beauty and even more from Mother Nature
grace of a monarch butterfly perched on a by attracting more wildlife to
milkweed.... experiencing the antics of a your property.
Mockingbird... the cooing of the Mourning doves...
The term "wildlife" means
the swiftness of the Cottontail.. and the brilliance different things to different
of a Cardinal or Baltimore oriole. people. To a livestock producer,
it may mean coyotes. To
someone who feeds birds, it may
Why Landscape mean Cardinals, Nuthatches,
and Hummingbirds. To a birder,
it may mean rare species. To a
gardener, it may mean
For Wildlife butterflies or crows.
To a wildlife biologist the
For more nature habitat information term wildlife means all living
organisms out of the direct
Visit these helpful websites: control of man, including
A Plant's Home undomesticated or cultivated
A Bird's Home plants and animals.
A Homesteader's Home
Dr. Thomas Barnes, Extension
Wildlife Specialist, University of
Kentucky, suggests that the
definition also include the
habitat of the species. He says
that it is impossible to
understand the ecology of a
species without having a
thorough knowledge of an
animal’s diet and how this
differs during a year, plus how
the species relates to its
habitat (predators, vegetation,
soil, competitors, etc.).
Wildlife doesn’t just randomly
appear in a given area. It is
there because of favorable
habitat. To attract more
wildlife, you need to apply
specific wildlife management
practices. To reach your wildlife
management goals, you must
manipulate the habitat, the
animal population, or manage
the people (landowners).
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2. To many, the term “wildlife s Decrease a population, Adding a pond or bird bath will
conservation" is often confused (harvesting deer that are produce results in a hurry.
with “wildlife preservation." damaging fruit trees); or Perhaps letting your pond
overflow will produce wetlands.
Conservation is an effort to s Stabilize a population
maintain and use natural (making sure wildlife leaving Cover is important for
resources wisely in an attempt is replaced by wildlife coming weather protection as well as
to ensure that those resources in). hiding from predators. It’s
will be available for future also important for nesting
generations. and resting. It can be shrubs,
Essential Elements native grasses, trees, rock and
Preservation is a component of a Wildlife Habitat brush piles, hollow trees, caves,
or part of conservation in which There are four essential nesting boxes, and abandoned
natural systems are left alone elements needed for survival in buildings.
without human disturbance or a wildlife habitat – food, water,
manipulation. But, an cover, and space for wildlife to Space is needed for wildlife
undisturbed ecosystem is not raise a family. If you keep these to raise a family. They
always stable. Natural changes needs in mind while creating establish territories and they
of plants are constantly your wildlife habitat plan, your will defend it. For example,
creating different habitats for chances for success are Bluebird nesting boxes must
different wildlife species. excellent be 300 ft. apart or the
Bluebirds will fight each other.
Thus, as conditions in the Food requirements vary for
habitat change, some species every species. It changes as Wood ducks and Purple
will have to move on and others they age and from one season martins do not defend
will move in. Here’s an example: to another. For some, the territories. Loons want 100
berries in your garden are ideal. acres of lake or wetlands and
Wildlife managers usually For others, it’s the nectar in Ruffed grouse need 10 acres.
want to: flowers, or nuts and acorns,
grasses, grain, or seeds.
s Increase a population Basic Concepts of a Habitat
(adding food and cover Water is as important as Before fully evaluating a
plants); food and is critical to survival. wildlife habitat, some basic
concepts about habitat and
their relationship to different
Wildlife Habitat Triangle wildlife species needs to be
understood.
Within a forest ecosystem,
Food how the plants grow in
different layers is an
important type of
arrangement called vertical
Space layering.
Arrangement
This is important because
some wildlife species may use
the ground layer
Cover Water
(herbaceous) for food, but
also need the tallest layer
Each must be of good quality, in ample supply, and (tree canopy) for shelter. The
properly situated in relation to each other. middle layer is composed of
shrubs.
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3. While it is not necessary to Jonathan Kays, Maryland Always be careful not to plant
give up entirely on having a lawn, Regional Extension Specialist invasive exotic species, such as
limiting its size will not only for Natural Resources, says if Multiflora rose and Japanese
benefit wildlife, it will also save there is one single rule to follow honeysuckle, which can
you time and money. in attracting wildlife, it is make overwhelm native plants and be
your landscape as diverse as nearly impossible to irradicate.
Mowing, chemical treatments, possible with many plant
weeding, and watering are all species. A term that you will often hear
costly – both in terms of what in reference to wildlife habitat is
you pay for them and the Then, your habitat is less “niche." This refers to the
number of hours that you spend vulnerable to insect damage or concept that each individual
doing them. diseases that can wipe out species in a community has its
single species. In ecosystems, own role within that community.
If you choose wildlife-friendly diversity means stability and
ground covers, you won’t have to ability to withstand change. For instance, it is the
poison the environment with “occupation" of woodpeckers to
chemicals or spend your If you follow nature’s lead, you eat insects under tree bark and
weekends mowing. will find that wildlife thrives to excavate holes in tree trunks,
when you landscape using a while beavers can be expected to
Native plants require less (or wide variety of plants. Some will cut down trees and create
no) pruning, less water, and are be evergreen or form thickets dams. Those are examples of
more resistant to disease, thus for cover, while others will be species which are fairly
lessening the need for valuable because of the flowers specialized.
pesticides. and fruits that they bear.
Other creatures could be
There is even an entire style of Planting in “layers" is called “generalists" and they will
gardening known as “xeriscaping" another important concept, tend to be more in competition
which emphasizes the use of recognizing the importance of with one another. For example,
drought-hardy plants suitable having a descending order of raccoons, foxes, and other
for areas with limited rainfall. tall trees, medium shrubs, and medium-size omnivores all seek
shorter flowers and bushes. the same fruits and small
The place where two or more mammals for food, but the
different plant communities or This will allow for the different variety of their food sources lets
successional stages meet (such feeding and nesting habits of them compete successfully.
as where a forest meets an open many species. Become aware of
area) is called edge. the needs of the wildlife species In terms of conservation, this
in your area. concept is important because
Sometimes there is an abrupt major habitat changes can be
change between plant Fancy double-petaled ruffled very destructive to specialized
communities. Other times there blossoms are lovely in the species, while having less impact
is no sharp or distinct garden, but butterflies can’t on those which depend on a
difference, but only a gradual access the nectar in them, so wider choice of elements.
change from one plant you should also provide the
community to another. The flatter, more open blooms that If there is a single patch of
latter attracts the most they prefer. wildflowers upon which
wildlife. hummingbirds are dependent for
Kousa dogwoods are current nectar and it is eliminated, the
The function served by plants favorites of landscapers and hummingbirds will have to
and structures is more they are beautiful trees, but relocate.
important than their their berries are too large for
appearance. Don’t base your most birds to swallow, so Other birds may also be eating
planting decisions solely on include some native dogwoods insects attracted by those
what a plant looks like. as well. same flowers, but they can find
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4. other insects if the flowers elements with a corridor of can penetrate even tough,
disappear. good cover is important. compacted, clay soil.
Wildlife population can be Following are even more By loosening the soil
defined as the number of compelling reasons to particles, water soaks into
individuals of a given species landscape for wildlife: the soil rather than running
living within a defined area off. Native legumes will add
during a specified time. s Economic nitrogen to the soil, reducing
Population density refers to You can increase your the need for artificial
the number of these property value. Studies fertilizers.
individuals living within a unit show that if you have a
of land area. pleasing landscape, you can s Natural Beauty
receive up to 20 percent Plants highly regarded for
Some creatures, such as more for your property their beauty can also be
black bear, require a very low when you sell. This is also excellent for wildlife. For
density in order to meet their true if the property backs example, conifers maintain
food needs, while others, like up to a park or other “green their color year-round and
squirrels, can exist with many space." And, if you have less provide good winter cover and
individuals per acre. yard, you’ll save money on nesting places in the
mowing, fertilizing, and summer.
The “carrying capacity" of an watering.
area refers to the maximum A wildflower meadow with
number of a given species that s Energy Conservation native grasses is not only
the area can sustain over an If your deciduous trees beautiful to the eye, it is a
extended period of time. This shade in summer or source of nectar, seeds,
carrying capacity can vary due conifors block the winter insects, and cover for a
to changes in climate, food winds from your house, it multitude of wildlife.
production, and so on. will take less energy and
less cost to cool and heat The same is true of fruit
Without human interference, it. Plus, you will be providing producing trees and shrubs
wildlife populations regulate wildlife with food, cover, and such as Hickory, Crabapple,
themselves as the carrying space to raise young. Cherry, and Walnut trees;
capacity fluctuates. and shrubs such as Highbush
In the fall, after the trees blueberry, Cranberry, and
Wildlife needs extend drop their leaves, the sun American elderberry.
through all four seasons of will shine through, providing
the year so be sure and plant a passive solar heat. s Natural Insect Control
variety of trees, shrubs, and Bats feed upon small flying
flowers that address their s Soil Conservation insects, such as mosquitoes,
needs. For example, Crabapple You don’t have to be a moths, and beetles. A bat
trees provide fruits in the farmer to realize the can consume one-half its
winter and spring. Cherry trees importance of conserving weight in insects every night.
produce fruit in summer. And, the soil. Everything you
Hickory trees produce nuts in grow in your habitat Also, birds such as Purple
the fall. depends on the soil. The martins and Tree swallows,
more fertile it is, the better consume large numbers of
Food, water, and cover need your landscape plants will insects that can be harmful
to be arranged close together grow. to trees, plants, and people.
to produce optimum results.
This cuts down on mortality If you landscape with native Even earthworms and
from predators when wildlife prairie or meadow plants, rodents help by turning over
move from one habitat element you will improve the soil the soil and recycling
to another. Connecting because their root systems nutrients.
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 4 A Plant's Home
5. s Ecosystem
Each species performs a The young and growing minds of children will thrive in your
specific role in the wildlife habitat. They will experience the natural world and
ecosystem that directly learn from it.
benefits other living things,
including people. Do your landscaping for wildlife as a family project. Let
the children help plant and take care of trees, shrubs,
A good example is that and flowers. Show them the eggs and nests of birds and
squirrels help forests baby rabbits and let them fill bird feeders.
continue to grow. The
Think of your landscaping as nature’s classroom and
squirrels bury acorns for
your kids and their friends as students .
food but fail to dig all of
them up, so the acorn
sprouts and produces a new
oak tree. lawns were frequently s Food Production
maintained by crews of hired Humans and wildlife would
Other birds and animals gardeners, and that their both agree that fresh,
scatter seeds throughout lush green color was due in local food is preferred.
the landscape. Blue jays are large part to the damp,
especially important in long temperate climate. When planting a garden,
distance dispersal of plant enough to share
acorns and beechnuts. They Lawns in this country are with others, rather than
carry them to distant not only non-beneficial for depending on pesticides
locations and bury the nuts wildlife, they can even be and other deterrents
in soft earth or under harmful. We use huge which make the gardening
leaves. quantities of water to keep experience less pleasant
grass green – even in areas and less healthful for you,
A Virginia study shows where the water supply is too.
that 50 blue jays limited – and we spray it
transported 150,000 with all sorts of chemicals For instance, bronze fennel
acorns in one month. Some which are toxic to wildlife. looks lovely in the herb
of the acorns were retrieved garden, and also provides
by the jays and eaten later These poisons gradually a host plant for
in the year. But, many were enter the water table and swallowtail caterpillars.
left to regenerate the wash into the watershed, so
forest! that all wildlife, including If you plant fruiting shrubs
humans, is eventually and provide a water
s Lawn Maintenance affected. source, you will attract
One unfortunate carry-over birds and toads which will
from our European In addition, lawns displace thank you by eating many
ancestors is our love-affair plants which could otherwise of the non-beneficial bugs
with lawns. provide food and cover for a in your garden.
variety of wildlife.
England, in particular, has s Pollution Control and
marvelous expanses of Songbirds don’t even like to Climate Moderation
green grass which we in this fly over large expanses of When planning your
country have tried, with short grass because they landscape, think about all
varying degrees of success, are so vulnerable to the ways (including shade
to copy. predators, and instead will and windbreak mentioned
make shorter flights from earlier) in which your
Unfortunately, we neglected trees to shrubs or other choices can help you
to take into account the plants around the perimeter moderate your own
fact that those English of a large lawn. microclimate.
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 5 A Plant's Home
6. Hedgerows can change wind A wildflower meadow will feature to make it look like an
patterns and make it possible attract many kinds of birds intentional part of your garden
to plant in otherwise and butterflies, while even a rather than just an oversight.
unsuitable areas, or you might small pond or wetland area
use a row of evergreens to will bring in many creatures, As your neighbors show some
block the noise from a nearby from frogs to raccoons. interest in the many species of
road. Variety in your landscaping will wildlife that your yard is
mean variety in your photos, attracting, give them tips on
Plants of all kinds will purify sketches, or what you see how to get the same results on
the air by removing carbon through your binoculars. their own property.
dioxide and other pollutants
and releasing oxygen. Certain Involving children in your plans Eventually you might be able
plants (legumes) can also will make them more aware of to get enough people interested
enrich and aerate the soil, nature and will educate them to create a “wildlife corridor"
helping other things to grow about the needs and where each yard provides cover
without the need for fertilizer preferences of different and perhaps other elements
or soil enhancers. species. If there is someone in necessary for wildife.
your family with a disability,
s Biodiversity landscape plans can ensure You may have a hedgerow
Thoughtful landscaping can that nature is close enough that provides cover and great
help to maintain the to see without being able to flowers for nectar, another yard
biodiversity of a given area. walk, or to hear, smell and may include a pond, and still
This applies to genetics, to touch without needing sight. another neighbor may be
species, to communities, and interested in growing fruiting
to ecosystems. shrubs for food.
Communication With
By offering many kinds of Neighbors Is Key To Success In summary, there are many
plants, you are ensuring that You need to have realistic reasons why you should
a wide range of wildlife can expectations when landscaping landscape for wildlife. Only you
thrive. for wildlife. This type of can decide which reasons fit
landscaping is not entirely your situation.
If the plants you choose are without problems. The first that
native species, you are also you may encounter is resistance
protecting genetic diversity by from your neighbors. This article was written by
making sure that these Thomas D. Patrick, President,
plants continue to reproduce It is often helpful if you let WindStar Wildlife Institute, and
despite the encroachment of them know in advance what you Maryland Master Wildlife Habitat
Naturalist Cathy Gilleland.
many alien species. are planning to do, and why you
feel that it is important. Be For more information or for the
s Photography and informed about the plants you name of a Master Wildlife Habitat
Wildlife Watching want to grow and the wildlife you Naturalist in your area, please
Anyone who enjoys hope to attract. contact:
photography will be delighted WindStar Wildlife Institute
with the variety of wildlife Sometimes you will have to
that will be attracted when politely educate them. For
you landscape naturally. instance, it is a common belief
that tall grasses bring in rats, E-mail: wildlife@windstar.org
With careful planning, you can while in reality rodents are http://www.windstar.org
bring many species within attracted by food that is left
WindStar Wildlife Institute is a
easy reach of your lens. Bird open and unattended, perhaps national, non-profit, conservation
nesting boxes, fruiting plants, for household pets. organization whose mission is to
nectar flowers, and water help individuals and families
sources can all be placed If you want to leave a portion establish or improve the wildlife
where they are easily seen of your yard unmowed, add a habitat on their properties.
from a favorite window. bench, bird bath, fence, or other
© WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 6 A Plant's Home