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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).


© WindStar Wildlife Institute                                   Page 1                             A Plant's Home
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.


© WindStar Wildlife Institute                              Page 2                                           A Plant's Home
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


© WindStar Wildlife Institute                            Page 3                                            A Plant's Home
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
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
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

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Why Landscape For Wildlife

  • 1. 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). © WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 1 A Plant's Home
  • 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. © WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 2 A Plant's Home
  • 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 © WindStar Wildlife Institute Page 3 A Plant's Home
  • 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