2
for food and cover are other
possibilities.
If you have an acreage, you
might consider setting some
land aside to plant soybeans,
millet, grain sorghum, or
sunflowers, then leave the crop
for winter food for wildlife. Be
reasonable, taking into
account the amount of both
time and money that you are
prepared to invest.
Step 2
Study Your Property
Look around and list what
features already exist on your
property. As you consider what
resources you want to add,
you should keep in mind the
four requirements of wildlife:
s
Food
s
Water
s
Cover
s
Space
Strive for diversity. A variety
of plants and trees reduces
the impact of disease or
insect damage, as well as
providing food and cover at
different times of the year.
Consider the following:
Plants
s
Large trees
s
Small trees
s
Shrubs
s
Perennials
s
Grasses
s
Annuals
s
Wildflowers
s
Vines
If you can’t plant more trees
and shrubs, set up a year-
round feeding and watering
station.
Food
s
Berries
s
Nuts
s
Seeds
s
Nectar
s
Insects
s
Worms
Providing a variety of foods is
one of the most important
aspects of your wildlife habitat,
and the best way to attract
more species.
Water
s
Pond
s
Birdbath
s
Stream
s
Spring
Is there water year-round. Do
you have space to build a pond.
Water is essential for all wildlife,
and adding a water feature can
create a focal point for your
habitat plan.
Cover
s
Evergreens
s
Tall grasses
s
Rock piles
s
Snags (dead trees)
s
Nest boxes
s
Brush piles
s
Dens
s
Rock walls
Wildlife needs protection from
both weather and predators. It
is important for cover to be
close to food and water.
If you have the room, consider
hedgerows, which provide food in
a protected environment.
Suitable plants include
dogwood, redbud, elderberry,
locust, and wild cherry.
You should also analyze the
amount and location of sunlight
during the day, temperature
range through the year, soil
moisture, and what percentage
of the property is already
covered by structures and
plants.
Step 3
Measure Your Property
Measure the boundaries and
the outside dimensions of all
existing structures. Sketch a
rough map, then use graph
paper to draw it to whatever
scale you choose. Indicate any
plant and water features. Show
compass direction and prevailing
wind patterns.
Include habitat elements on
neighboring properties.
Sometimes you can team up
with neighbors to combine
assets in a “cluster" plan. If you
have already observed specific
wildlife species in a certain area,
show that also.
Step 4
Deciding What To Add
Try to include native, or at
least non-invasive, plants. Be
patient. Even if you can only add
one component at a time, it will
make a difference.
Add your proposed projects to
your map. Leave room for
anticipated growth. Develop an
action plan with a schedule and
budget for the projects that you
have chosen, and plan to re-
