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Many wildlife species rely on a diversity of habitat to survive. Variety is key to establishing good habitat. The more variety your yard or neighborhood can provide in a small area, the more wildlife you can expect to attract. Diversity includes providing all the habitat components that wildlife needs in your yard - food, water, shelter, and nesting habitat.
Food can be provided in a variety of ways. As you look around your property, think like the wildlife you want to attract. Is there enough food year-round to meet their needs? Are there flowers for nectar, weeds for seeds, shrubs and trees for fruit or acorns?
Nectar plants, such as butterfly weed, butterfly bush, cardinal flowers, asters, and zinnias, attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Even "weeds" such as goldenrod, chicory, pokeweed, thistle, and honeysuckle are beneficial nectar producers. Clovers can provide sustenance for cottontails.
Leaving leaves, mulching plants, using compost, and minimizing pesticide use benefits those wildlife species which rely on insects and invertebrates as food. Learn about the benefits of not raking..
Read about feeding backyard birds
Water is important for drinking, bathing, even egg-laying for frogs, toads, and insects. Water depth of 1/2" is needed for smaller birds, while larger birds can use 1" to 2" depth. Placement of feeders and water sources should be carefully considered, such that there is enough open space to see an approaching predator, yet protective habitat is available close by.
Wildlife needs water in the winter as well. Keep a piece of wood in the water to prevent freezing and thawing actions from cracking your birdbath or other water container.
In your yard, also consider that wildlife needs shelter for protection against, rain, snow, ice, sun, wind, and predators. Dense evergreens, large broad-leaved shrubs and trees, thick grasses, and brush piles provide protective cover for a number of birds and mammals. Mockingbirds build nests in shrubs, while barn swallows use barns, outbuildings, or open garages as places to construct their mud nests.
You can expand your nesting habitat with artificial nest boxes for songbirds, bats, and owls.
Several key factors make a good birdhouse:
Besides diversity, designing your yard properly will benefit wildlife and improve viewing opportunities.
Be diligent in maintaining your habitat.
Download our publication for 12 Wildlife Habitat Tips for Small Acreages
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By Sherri Sanders White County Extension Agent - AgricultureThe Cooperative Extension ServiceU of A System Division of AgricultureWhite County Cooperative Extension Service2400 Old Searcy Landing Road Searcy AR 72143(501) 268-5394 ssanders@uada.edu