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other insects if the flowers
disappear.
Wildlife population can be
defined as the number of
individuals of a given species
living within a defined area
during a specified time.
Population density refers to
the number of these
individuals living within a unit
of land area.
Some creatures, such as
black bear, require a very low
density in order to meet their
food needs, while others, like
squirrels, can exist with many
individuals per acre.
The “carrying capacity" of an
area refers to the maximum
number of a given species that
the area can sustain over an
extended period of time. This
carrying capacity can vary due
to changes in climate, food
production, and so on.
Without human interference,
wildlife populations regulate
themselves as the carrying
capacity fluctuates.
Wildlife needs extend
through all four seasons of
the year so be sure and plant a
variety of trees, shrubs, and
flowers that address their
needs. For example, Crabapple
trees provide fruits in the
winter and spring. Cherry trees
produce fruit in summer. And,
Hickory trees produce nuts in
the fall.
Food, water, and cover need
to be arranged close together
to produce optimum results.
This cuts down on mortality
from predators when wildlife
move from one habitat element
to another. Connecting
elements with a corridor of
good cover is important.
Following are even more
compelling reasons to
landscape for wildlife:
s
Economic
You can increase your
property value. Studies
show that if you have a
pleasing landscape, you can
receive up to 20 percent
more for your property
when you sell. This is also
true if the property backs
up to a park or other “green
space." And, if you have less
yard, you’ll save money on
mowing, fertilizing, and
watering.
s
Energy Conservation
If your deciduous trees
shade in summer or
conifors block the winter
winds from your house, it
will take less energy and
less cost to cool and heat
it. Plus, you will be providing
wildlife with food, cover, and
space to raise young.
In the fall, after the trees
drop their leaves, the sun
will shine through, providing
passive solar heat.
s
Soil Conservation
You don’t have to be a
farmer to realize the
importance of conserving
the soil. Everything you
grow in your habitat
depends on the soil. The
more fertile it is, the better
your landscape plants will
grow.
If you landscape with native
prairie or meadow plants,
you will improve the soil
because their root systems
can penetrate even tough,
compacted, clay soil.
By loosening the soil
particles, water soaks into
the soil rather than running
off. Native legumes will add
nitrogen to the soil, reducing
the need for artificial
fertilizers.
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Natural Beauty
Plants highly regarded for
their beauty can also be
excellent for wildlife. For
example, conifers maintain
their color year-round and
provide good winter cover and
nesting places in the
summer.
A wildflower meadow with
native grasses is not only
beautiful to the eye, it is a
source of nectar, seeds,
insects, and cover for a
multitude of wildlife.
The same is true of fruit
producing trees and shrubs
such as Hickory, Crabapple,
Cherry, and Walnut trees;
and shrubs such as Highbush
blueberry, Cranberry, and
American elderberry.
s
Natural Insect Control
Bats feed upon small flying
insects, such as mosquitoes,
moths, and beetles. A bat
can consume one-half its
weight in insects every night.
Also, birds such as Purple
martins and Tree swallows,
consume large numbers of
insects that can be harmful
to trees, plants, and people.
Even earthworms and
rodents help by turning over
the soil and recycling
nutrients.
