Life out of doors is WILD! There are a ton of creatures to see while in your backyard—you just have to start looking. There are big and small creatures, some creatures brightly colored, some that are more subtle with their camouflage, some that live in the trees and some that live on or in the ground. Some can be seen only during the day, others only at night. They are aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic. Each is very special in its own way and contributes in some way to the ecosystem.
No matter how much backyard you have, you can do something to attract the local wildlife. Some general tips to begin with include:
- Increasing the number of native plants in your landscape and controlling noxious weeds or non-native invasive species.
- Creating brush piles and snags for nesting, perching, and hunting
- Establishing permanent vegetation for food or cover
- Improving the forest edge habitat
- Creating herbaceous forest openings
- Placing nesting boxes or structures around the property
- Releasing trees and shrubs
- Fencing stream banks to protect habitat
- Maintaining wildlife corridors, like fence or hedgerows and buffer strips along the water’s edge
Many of these activities take time and planning, but the rewards are worth it—though remember to always keep a pair of binoculars handy! |
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