3
evaluate your habitat each year.
If you need additional help,
contact a local Master Wildlife
Habitat Naturalist.
Dead Trees
Also known as “snags," dead
trees are important food and
nesting sites for over 40
species of birds and more than
20 kinds of animals. If they are
not endangering people or
structures, consider letting
these resources remain as part
of your wildlife landscape.
Feeders
There are many types in
addition to the common
birdseed feeders: suet, fruit,
hummingbird, squirrel, moth,
deer, pheasant, and quail. Do
some research to learn what the
species you want to attract
likes to eat.
Space
Although this may be the
hardest element to provide,
everyone has room for wildlife,
even if it’s only an apartment
window box to attract
hummingbirds and butterflies.
Different species have different
range requirements. For example:
Red Squirrel: .8 to 3.8 per acre
Woodchuck: 1.3 to 10 per acre
Eastern Chipmunk:
2 to 4 per acre
White-tailed Deer:
100 per mile
Remember, as your habitat
matures, the less “manicuring"
you do, the better it will be for
wildlife. Let tree branches hang
to the ground, leave some yard
areas unmowed, and consider
seeding part of your property
in wildflowers and grasses.
Recommended Species
The following are just a few of the species and varieties that
are suitable for your wildlife habitat. Many offer more than one
benefit, such as cover and food. Study your plan, especially the
temperature and moisture factors, and discuss with a local
nursery what will grow well in those conditions. Talk to a
Master Wildlife Habitat Naturalist about what plants will
attract the species you prefer. Above all, have fun with your new
habitat!
LARGE TREES:
Ash, green and white
Beech, American
Birch, river
Cherry, black
Cypress, bald
Gum, Black
Hickory, Bitternut
Maple, red
Oak, many varieties
Persimmon, Common
Poplar, tulip
Sassafras
Sourwood
Sycamore
Walnut, Black
SMALL TREES:
Chokecherry, common
Dogwood, white
Fringetree
Serviceberry, downy
Hornbeam, American
Pawpaw
SHRUBS:
Arrowood
Azalea, flame
Blackhaw
Elderberry
Sumac, several varieties
Spicebush
Wax myrtle
Witchhazel
CONIFERS:
Cedar, eastern red
Hemlock, eastern
Pine, white
Pine, Virginia
