6
Hedgerows can change wind
patterns and make it possible
to plant in otherwise
unsuitable areas, or you might
use a row of evergreens to
block the noise from a nearby
road.
Plants of all kinds will purify
the air by removing carbon
dioxide and other pollutants
and releasing oxygen. Certain
plants (legumes) can also
enrich and aerate the soil,
helping other things to grow
without the need for fertilizer
or soil enhancers.
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Biodiversity
Thoughtful landscaping can
help to maintain the
biodiversity of a given area.
This applies to genetics, to
species, to communities, and
to ecosystems.
By offering many kinds of
plants, you are ensuring that
a wide range of wildlife can
thrive.
If the plants you choose are
native species, you are also
protecting genetic diversity by
making sure that these
plants continue to reproduce
despite the encroachment of
many alien species.
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Photography and
Wildlife Watching
Anyone who enjoys
photography will be delighted
with the variety of wildlife
that will be attracted when
you landscape naturally.
With careful planning, you can
bring many species within
easy reach of your lens. Bird
nesting boxes, fruiting plants,
nectar flowers, and water
sources can all be placed
where they are easily seen
from a favorite window.
A wildflower meadow will
attract many kinds of birds
and butterflies, while even a
small pond or wetland area
will bring in many creatures,
from frogs to raccoons.
Variety in your landscaping will
mean variety in your photos,
sketches, or what you see
through your binoculars.
Involving children in your plans
will make them more aware of
nature and will educate them
about the needs and
preferences of different
species. If there is someone in
your family with a disability,
landscape plans can ensure
that nature is close enough
to see without being able to
walk, or to hear, smell and
touch without needing sight.
Communication With
Neighbors Is Key To Success
You need to have realistic
expectations when landscaping
for wildlife. This type of
landscaping is not entirely
without problems. The first that
you may encounter is resistance
from your neighbors.
It is often helpful if you let
them know in advance what you
are planning to do, and why you
feel that it is important. Be
informed about the plants you
want to grow and the wildlife you
hope to attract.
Sometimes you will have to
politely educate them. For
instance, it is a common belief
that tall grasses bring in rats,
while in reality rodents are
attracted by food that is left
open and unattended, perhaps
for household pets.
If you want to leave a portion
of your yard unmowed, add a
bench, bird bath, fence, or other
feature to make it look like an
intentional part of your garden
rather than just an oversight.
As your neighbors show some
interest in the many species of
wildlife that your yard is
attracting, give them tips on
how to get the same results on
their own property.
Eventually you might be able
to get enough people interested
to create a “wildlife corridor"
where each yard provides cover
and perhaps other elements
necessary for wildife.
You may have a hedgerow
that provides cover and great
flowers for nectar, another yard
may include a pond, and still
another neighbor may be
interested in growing fruiting
shrubs for food.
In summary, there are many
reasons why you should
landscape for wildlife. Only you
can decide which reasons fit
your situation.
This article was written by
Thomas D. Patrick, President,
WindStar Wildlife Institute, and
Maryland Master Wildlife Habitat
Naturalist Cathy Gilleland.
For more information or for the
name of a Master Wildlife Habitat
Naturalist in your area, please
contact:
WindStar Wildlife Institute
10072 Vista Court
Myersville, Maryland 21773
Phone: (301) 293-3351
E-mail: wildlife@windstar.org
http://www.windstar.org
WindStar Wildlife Institute is a
national, non-profit, conservation
organization whose mission is to
help individuals and families
establish or improve the wildlife
habitat on their properties.
