Introduction

What is a natural habitat? And what is a habitat naturalist?  Ask several different people and you may receive different answers, however, once you become more familiar with how nature works, how we as humans affect habitat and how you can better the local habitat, you will soon develop a definition that will best describe your goals.

Most habitat in this country is lost to residential development.  In addition to the loss of habitat, our residential habits have caused more destruction to nature than most people realize.  Many people take up causes to save land from development but do little to create and protect habitat in their own backyard.  We need to concentrate more on our own backyards first.  Take a close look at how you live, your landscape, your neighborhood.  It might become too clear that you have fallen into the trap that so many people have fallen  into.  Your lifestyle, your property and your neighborhood are the same as everyone around you.

Biodiversity is very important to creating and protecting nature.  If you and eventually a few neighbors create a diverse landscape, it will improve the habitat in your area and start to attract a wide range of wildlife.

This study guide is designed as a general outline for developing a nature habitat.  It will lay the foundation for developing a sound design for developing a nature habitat.   Addition reading is recommended.  You may also take the home study course to become a Certified Wildlife Habitat Naturalist through the Winstar Wildlife Institute.

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