Create a Wildlife Friendly Backyard

Wildlife Friendly Backyard

Providing a suitable habitat for the wildlife in your backyard starts with you. Many of us don’t realize that the things we do contribute to the elimination of the natural habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife in our backyards.

The Foundational Four
In order to create a wildlife habitat in your backyard, there are 4 things that every habitat needs and those are Food, Water, Cover, and Space to Raise Young.

There are things you can do that can provide adequate habitat for wildlife. Creating garden spaces that include native plants, water sources, nesting boxes and other features will add value to your yard and give wildlife a safe place to live and grow.

Feeders, Boxes, Plants & Pets
There is surprisingly a lot more to bringing birds to your backyard feeder that you’d think.

Invite wildlife to your backyard:

  • Planting more trees and shrubs is a major factor in attracting wildlife to your backyard.
  • Provide at least two places for wildlife to mate and raise their young. Mature trees, wetlands, shrubs, and wildflower patches are good choices.
  • Animals need a safe place to drink and bathe, add a garden pond or birdbath away from cats and other household pets.
  • Nesting boxes and bird houses are a great way of making up for the impact urban development has on natural nesting habitat.
  • Build a brush pile with yard debris to provide shelter for wildlife.
  • Add bird feeders near trees so birds can fly to cover and provide adequate food through the winter when natural foods are scarce.
  • Provide food for wildlife by planting native vegetation that supplies wildlife with nuts, berries, nectar and seeds throughout the seasons. Plant native plants suited for your growing conditions.
  • Studies show that year-round supplemental feeding at birdfeeders actually enhances the health and longevity of bird populations.
  • Eliminate the use of pesticides. Caterpillars, bugs, bees, and butterflies are the most harmed by pesticide use.
  • Domestic cats are a leading cause of songbird deaths. Keep them inside and away from your backyard wildlife areas.
  • Invite your neighbors to join you in creating friendly environments. Several joining yards designed to attract wildlife would be more effective than one single backyard.

What’s in your backyard?
Birds – Mammals – Snakes – Lizards – Turtles – Frogs & Salamanders – Pollinators & Insects

Make creating a wildlife sanctuary a family affair. Discuss how you are helping design areas that will give wildlife a natural place to thrive and grow. Plan new gardens with a specific wildlife in mind. Create a butterfly garden, plant flowers that bees use to produce honey, add nest boxes and bird houses to save the birds, and add water features and habitat for small mammals to enjoy.

Certify your Garden
Learn how you can “Certify Your Garden” to show your commitment to wildlife!

 

Do you have questions about Backyard Birding or Wildlife?

Zach Steinhauser, our resident Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Specialist would love to help. Check out of Ask Zach page for answers or submit a question by emailing zach@wingardsmarket.com.

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Here at Wingard’s Market, we specialize in providing outstanding customer service, offer professional gardening advice, and answers to your everyday gardening questions. Stop by and visit our Beautiful Gift Shoppe and Fresh Produce Market while you stroll under century-old pecan trees. It’s truly a Garden Wonderland!

Located at 1403 North Lake Drive in Lexington, SC. Call us at (803) 359-9091