Create a Thriving Outdoor Habitat for Wildlife

No matter the size or location of your backyard – even an apartment balcony or patio! – you can create a thriving, welcoming habitat for wildlife, including birds, insects and other small animals. Check out these tips from our friends at the National Wildlife Federation:

Creating a wildlife garden reverses some of the human-caused habitat destruction that is hurting wildlife. It’s easier than you might think. Here is what your wildlife garden should include:

Food: Native plants provide nectar, seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, foliage, pollen and insects eaten by an exciting variety of wildlife. Feeders can supplement natural food sources.

Water: All animals need water to survive and some need it for bathing or breeding as well.

Cover: Wildlife needs places to find shelter from bad weather and places to hide from predators or stalk prey.

Places to Raise Young: Wildlife needs resources to reproduce and keep their species going. Some species have totally different habitat needs in their juvenile phase than they do as adults.

Sustainable Practices: How you manage your garden can have an effect on the health of the soil, air, water and habitat for native wildlife as well as the human community.

Learn more about creating a sustainable, effective outdoor space for wildlife and certify your space through the National Wildlife Federation by clicking here.