Download one of our helpful brochures that you can print and keep for future reference.
When creating a wildlife habitat, the combination of habitat elements (food, water, cover and places to raise young) you provide should take into consideration the needs of the wildlife you wish to attract. Carefully selected plantings can provide food, cover and/or places to raise young. We have books, videos, products and ideas that will help you plan your wildlife habitat.
Landscaping for the ideal wildlife habitat should include plants ranging in size and density from small evergreen shrubs to tall, full-grown trees so that birds and other wildlife can choose the appropriate cover they need for feeding, hiding, courting and nesting activities. For example, dense plantings of shrubbery provide safe areas for many species of wildlife to mate, build nests and raise their families.
Develop a plan for your backyard. Take an assessment of what you already have and then map out a landscaping plan that includes all the plants and natural features in your yard. Use the Landscaping Planning Chart on the back of the brochures you may download from this page to select plants native to your area.
Plants native to the soils and climate of your area provide the best overall food sources for wildlife. In addition, native plants generally require less fertilizer, water and effort to control pests. Native plants may support 10 to 50 times more species of native wildlife (mostly insects, the basic wildlife food) as do exotics (plants that are not native to your area). Too often, exotics brought to our continent for their horticultural or wildlife value grow and spread rapidly, taking over farm and woodland and decimating native plants and animals.
Create a Wildlife Habitat